September was the official back-to-school season and National Preparedness Month.

The American Red Cross serving King County reminds you any time is a good time to review the "basics" - the basics of preparedness, that is -by ensuring everyone in your home knows the family emergency plan.

National Preparedness Month is now a nationwide coordinated effort that encourages individuals to become better prepared for disasters and other emergencies where they live, learn, and work.

"There are three simple things each of us can do to be prepared: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Get Trained," said local Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Larry Petry. "Last year we had significant flooding and the big windstorm which serve as a reminder of how important it is to make our community safer and minimize the impact that disasters and emergencies have on our lives. Locally we also need to prepare for fires and earthquakes."

Making a plan is the first and perhaps most important part of a family's emergency preparedness. As a family, determine what disasters may occur in your community and how you may be impacted. Use that information to plan how you would contact each other if at home, work or school.

Gather supplies necessary for sustenance and comfort; this will help your family both follow the plan and stay safe during and after a disaster or other emergency.

Identify two places-right outside the home and outside the neighborhood -in case you cannot return home to meet after a disaster. After determining places to meet, identify an out-of-town relative or friend to be the family contact.

"After a disaster, local telephone lines may be busy and overloaded, so it's often easier to call out of the affected area," points out Carol Dunn, community disaster educator for Red Cross. "The role of the family contact is to collect and communicate individuals' locations and status. Then, when conditions allow, they help everyone reconnect."

Everyone, including children, should know the family contact and keep contact information handy. The Red Cross has specially designed age appropriate materials to help families develop a thorough communication plan.

Throughout National Preparedness Month, more than 800 Red Cross field units will participate, support and host a variety of events geared toward bringing the preparedness message home to the communities they serve. For more preparedness information visit www.seattleredcross.org or contact 206-323-2345.