San Marcos — The Hays County Personal Health Department is reminding residents that when they “spring” their clocks forward on March 14 for Daylight Saving Time, they should take the time to check the family’s emergency preparedness status – and don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

 “A little forethought, a few extras in the pantry, and an emergency plan that you and your family all know about can help you in most all emergency situations,” Chuck Chapman, RN, emergency preparedness coordinator for the Hays County Personal Health Department, said.

The list below can get you started, Chapman said.

“These are a few of the precautions and preparations you can take to protect you and your family. In a time of need, emergency resources are limited. By taking the time now to ensure your own safety, you allow those resources to help those truly in need.”

You can learn more at www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/ or by calling the PHD Office of Emergency Preparedness at 393-5538.

• Get Informed: Texas is prone to disasters of all kinds. Find out what hazards are common where you live. When severe weather threatens, tune in to local radio, television or get information online from the National Weather Service.

• Make a family disaster plan: All families are different, so make a plan that fits yours. Each member needs to understand the plan and know which tasks he or she will be asked to do. You need to know escape routes from each room in your house as well as from your neighborhood.

• Family Communication: It's important to plan how family members will contact one another if they are separated during an emergency. Complete a card for each family member listing the phone number of an out-of-town contact and other important numbers. Everyone should keep a card in a wallet, purse or backpack.

• Utility shut-off and safety: For some types of disasters, you may need to disconnect utility services to your home. Natural gas leaks are the number one cause of fires after a disaster. Never turn gas service back on yourself.

• Insurance and vital records: Make photocopies of your important documents and secure them in a safe place away from your home, or stored in a container you can easily take with you. Here’s a list of some documents you might want to copy:

• List of medications

• Insurance policies

• Driver's license, passport or other photo ID

• Bank account information

• Credit card information

• Financial records

• Inventory of home possessions

• Cash and travelers checks

• Prepare a disaster supplies kit: If you are forced to shelter in place or evacuate your home, you may not have time to gather all the necessities for keeping your family safe and comfortable. Assemble a kit now with enough supplies to take care of each family member for at least three days.