Evacuations can be stressful and hectic for all concerned. If you are caring for a family member at home, plan ahead for resources and services you and your loved one might need in the event you need to leave your home quickly.

You have two sources of help:

• Your support network of family, friends and neighbors
• Emergency professionals in the community

Here are some tips from the experts:

• Create a support network to help you in an emergency.
• Provide your family, friends and neighbors with a detailed description, in writing, of your needs.
• Tell your support network where you keep your emergency supplies.
• Give at least one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
• Show others how to operate medical equipment (such as oxygen) that may be needed by the person for whom you are caring.

Contact your city or county government's emergency preparedness office. Let them know of your situation and ask to be included on a registry of people with disabilities who need to be reached quickly in case of an emergency. Let your utility company know of your needs--especially if your life depends on electricity to operate medical equipment. Utility workers will try to make your home a priority to get you reconnected as soon as possible.

Be sure the care receiver wears a medical alert tag or bracelet to identify his or her disability. Have copies of any appropriate legal care documents handy.