It�s the peak of the hurricane season, and the approaching storm has community officials preparing for the unexpected.  Larry Rockwell, from Disaster Public Affairs at the American Red Cross, says every family should create a disaster plan, identify evacuation routes, know what to do with the family pets and, he says, build a disaster supply kit that includes food, water, first aid items, a radio, a flashlight and, of course, new batteries: 

�It�s important to take that kit out and inspect it from time to time.  Check over those items in your kit.  Add or subtract items to meet changing family needs and, of course, check and replace any perishable items.  You want to make sure that you replenish the water supply every six months.  Check any perishable food items you may have put in your kit and, of course, make sure that you�ve got a fresh pack of Duracells for that flashlight and that battery-operated radio.�

A guidebook from the American Red Cross and Duracell, �Together We Prepare Safe Families� is available online at red cross-dot-org or at duracell-dot-com.

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