Escaping land disasters

If you live in low-lying areas when heavy rains (or a hurricane) are coming, it is often the best policy to get away to a safe spot - in a shelter or friend's home on higher ground. If you have any doubts about the integrity of the building you live in, let discretion play the upper hand. Get out.

· Have an escape plan already prepared before the trouble starts. Figure out where you will go, how you will get there, and what you will take with you.

· Check alternate routes to safe havens. Trees, debris or flooding could block your way and you may have to change plans.

· Before you leave, eat a good meal. Shut off the water and electricity and gas at the meters or tanks.

· Leave a few windows slightly ajar to relieve the pressure in the case of a hurricane. Make sure nothing that could be water-damaged is near those windows.

· Put computers and other electronic equipment on an upper floor, if possible. Cover the equipment with plastic sheeting, well secured, in case the roof goes.

· Put all valuable papers and photos into plastic, sealable freezer bags and put them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will keep them positively dry in case of structural damage and rain falling in the house - or even fire.

· Lock the doors.