While not necessary, a template will save you some work by setting up the timeline structure for you. You can check whether you already have a timeline template by browsing options in the File New or File New from Template commands. Otherwise, search online for user-created timeline templates. If you don't want to use a template, continue on to the next step. If your timeline tracks the progress of a multi-branched project, consider looking for "Gantt chart" templates instead. You can set up a basic timeline with an ordinary blank spreadsheet. Type the dates of your timeline in one row, spacing them out with blank cells roughly in proportion to the time between them. In the cell directly above or below each date, write a description of the event that happened on that date. Don't worry if it looks sloppy. Alternating descriptions above and below the date tend to make the most readable timelines. Select the row containing your descriptions. Click the Home tab in the ribbon menu, then look for the Orientation button under the Alignment group. (In some versions, the Orientation button looks like the letters abc.) Click this button and select one of the angled text options. The rotated text should make your descriptions fit the timeline. If you are using Excel 2003 or earlier, instead right-click the selected cells. Select Format Cells, then the Alignment tab. Type in the number of degrees you'd like the text to rotate, then click OK.
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One-sentence summary -- Consider downloading a template. Start your own timeline from ordinary cells. Write your timeline entries. Angle the descriptions.

Sit down with your family to establish a plan of action. Pick several meeting spots in case you need to leave home, such as a friend's home in a safe town or a shelter in your area. Make sure everyone in the family knows where these locations are and how to get there. Make sure the shelters and the routes to them are through high ground. Call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department. These coordinators will have designated shelters, such as schools or stadiums. Print out blank plans on fema.gov. Write down contact information, neighborhood meeting spots, and personal identification details. It'll make everyone easier to find in case of an emergency. It's better to text during the flood. Texts have a better chance of getting through and don't tie up lines needed for emergencies. Ready a kit that includes basic necessities. A good kit will have enough food and water for everyone for at least three days. Pack at least three gallons of water per person so everyone can drink a gallon a day. Bring a week's worth of any special medications your family needs and a first aid kit. Pack at least one clothing change for each person. Include warm clothing and waterproof gear. Remember to check your food supplies every year. Replace expiring food. Bring personal identification documents such as passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates, and bank account numbers. Also pack some extra cash. Store these in a waterproof container. Think of what you and your family will need to complete your kit. You may include items like a can opener, duct tape, pet supplies, baby supplies, and sanitary items.
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One-sentence summary -- Identify where to go during an evacuation. Create a family communications plan. Assemble an emergency supplies kit.

Sometimes, when someone we care about feels crappy, the best thing we can offer is a listening ear. Give your loved one the opportunity to air his or her grievances about academic problems. Being able to express oneself in this way can be incredibly soothing. Plus, allowing your loved one to vent shows that you care. Demonstrate active listening by turning to face the person and making regular eye contact. Nod your head or make appropriate sounds to show you're listening, such as "uh-huh." When the person is done talking, try to reflect back what he or she has said using emotion. For example, you might say "It sounds like you're really angry about your performance on the test." At this point, simply let the person talk. Refrain from trying to "fix" the problem just yet. One humbling way to support your friend during this tough circumstance is to share a situation in which you struggled. It might pertain to academics or it might merely be an anecdote about a different obstacle you have to overcome. Just make sure that the message is clear, and that you don't make yourself seem better than your friend. It may be scary at first to open up and tell someone about a difficulty you faced. However, it's important to note that sharing your story may help your friend see that everyone encounters hardships and that it's entirely possible to succeed despite setbacks. Although you can't fix the situation, there may be something you can do to help the person through it. Are you good in the subject that he or she is struggling in? Perhaps you could casually offer some tips on how to improve. Do you have pretty good study skills? Maybe you can share some of those nuggets of wisdom with your friend. Keep in mind that your friend may not want your help. Instead of thinking in advance of how you will help, simply ask "Is there anything I can do?" and see what the person's response is. If he or she wants help from you, let them make a specific request. That way you don't put your foot in your mouth by coming off like you're superior. Give your loved one a much-needed self-esteem boost. It's normal for someone's self-esteem to take a hit after performing poorly in school. Take a moment to offer a sincere compliment on some other attribute. Remind the person what else he or she has going despite having a bad grade. You can say something like "I know it sucks that you got an F in math. Luckily, you don't have to worry about that in English. You're the best student in that class!" Just make sure the compliment is true and the person knows you're not just saying it to make them feel better. If your friend is upset over bad grades, the very best comfort you can offer is your presence. Just be there. Extend a shoulder for them, if they'd like. It's not really your job to fix the situation or make it better in any way, really. It's up to your friend to deal with poor grades, but he or she will certainly appreciate you showing support and acknowledging that it's a sucky situation.
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One-sentence summary --
Let the person vent. Share a story of how you overcame adversity. Offer to help however you can. Remind them about other talents. Be there.