America’s terror threat level has been raised to “High/Orange” for the second time since the Homeland Security Advisory System was established nearly a year ago, and as myregion.org Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Central Florida’s Red Cross, I would like to share with you some preparedness suggestions that can be applied not only to all of us at work, but also in our private lives as well.

Being informed and prepared for the unexpected can reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should an emergency arise. Taking preparatory action will allow you to exert a measure of control even in the face of such events.

Here are some tips to prepare your family and your home:

• Know your routines – what looks normal and what doesn't – report any suspicious persons or activity.
  Be aware – of your neighbors; of people walking in the street; of people sitting in cars; of packages/knapsacks that are unattended in a public place – report these.
• Make a list of important numbers – emergency numbers, schools, where everyone works, family contacts – give these to your family.
  
• Identify a meeting place for your family in the event of a terror strike…phones and computer systems may be down; identify a friend or relative in another part of the country who could serve as a point of contact in the event of a local emergency; have everyone call into this person.
  
• Keep a moderate supply of cash available at your home – ATMs/credit card links may be down during an emergency.
  
• Make your house easy to find – make sure your street address is visible.
  
• Organize an emergency kit – water, flood supplies, first aid, batteries and flashlight, toiletries.
  
• Develop a home evacuation plan…know where to go.
  
• Plan how to take care of your pets during a terror strike.

The Red Cross has tailored specific emergency readiness information for families, individuals, schools, neighborhoods and business relating to each of the five threat levels. These Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System are available for the public at www.redcross.org. For information on what a business can do to protect its employees and customers as well as develop business continuity plans, you may want to get a copy of the Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry and/or Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable from your local American Red Cross chapter or see www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared. You may contact the American Red Cross of Central Florida at 407.894.4141 or by email at mail@centralfl-redcross.org.