Ever since September 11th, 2001, terrorism-related fears have intensified. Many people now realize that man-made disasters and natural disasters can happen at any time, anywhere, forcing you to evacuate your neighborhood or confining you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? In South Florida, we know all too well what a disaster can do ever since the infamous storm Hurricane Andrew. Below is a list we  created to help prepare you and your family for possible disruptions.

• Insurance Documents. Make sure you place all insurance documents in a safe place. Also, check your policy prior to the hurricane season. Most people wait until it is too late to worry about their insurance coverage. The infamous "BOX" around Florida delineates a zone surrounding our state. Once a named storm enters this zone, NO property coverage can be modified or added, and you must sweat it out until the storm passes. Check your policy now by clicking here to have your agent call you.
   

• Other Family Documents and Personal Financial Records. Be sure your spouse or another family member knows where you store your bank statements, account numbers with company name and addresses, wills, family records (birth and marriage certificates), social security cards, etc. Keep these items together in a safe location.
   

• Disaster Supplies. Stock disaster supplies to last several days to a week for yourself and those who live with you. This includes having nonperishable foods, stored water, and ample supplies of prescription and nonprescription medications that you regularly use. Expensive survival kits are unnecessary. You can make one for about $50.
   

• Extra Cash. Have traveler's checks on hand in case electronic transactions involving ATM cards, credit cards, and the like cannot be processed. Keep traveler's checks in a safe place.
   

• Energy and Conservation. Keep your automobile gas tank above half full. In case the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices, such as a charcoal grill. Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves to keep warm. Camp stoves and heaters should only be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Have plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Do not use candles for emergency lighting.
  

• Cell Phones. Make sure your cell phone is charged up. Chances are, your local phone service (your cell service may be too) will be down.
   

• Generators. If you are using a portable generator, connect what you want to power directly to the generator; do not connect the generator to your home's electrical system. Be sure to keep it in a well-ventilated area - either outside or in a garage, keeping the door open.
   

• Local Preparations. Check with the emergency service providers in your community to see if there is information available about how they are preparing for potential disasters.