Disaster can strike quickly and without warning:
Make a plan

Emergencies and disasters can come quickly and without warning. During an emergency or natural disaster, the more you have planned ahead of time the better you will be able to confront the challenges of the situation. Preparedness allows you to be calmer and more assured in the face of an emergency and thereby think more clearly and increase your odds of escaping without harm. The following are some steps you can take to be prepared for an emergency:

Your general emergency preparedness plan for any type of emergency should consider the following:

• escape routes
• family communications
• utility shut-off and safety
• insurance and vital records
• caring for animals and other special needs
• safety skills
• disaster supplies kit

Refer to the other links on this site for emergency and disaster planning specific to each type of emergency

Source: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/basic_preparedness.shtm