Taking only a few moments to plan upfront can release you from substantial disruption if disaster strikes, and it may even save you or a loved ones life. Disaster and emergency preparation is one of the most important tasks you can do for yourself and your family.

Here are five steps you can take to measure your personal preparedness and assemble a disaster action plan that is adapted to your particular situation.

1. Decide meeting location. One important part of your plan is to select a meeting spot. Choose two or more spots. For a fire, make a plan to meet in front of your home. In case of an emergency requiring evacuation of your home, plan to meet at a specific place outside of your neighborhood, for example a relative's house, elementary school, or church. Be sure each family member concurs on the location, and plans are in place for how everyone will get to the meeting spot.

2. Discuss with your family about what you would do in an emergency. If you have children, explain what kind of disasters might strike in your area, about the kind of dangers your family may face, and work jointly to brainstorm solutions. The goal is not to scare children and family members, but to openly discuss the possible dangers they potentially face, and to come up with an action plan that makes everyone feel safe and prepared.

3. Know how to shut off your utility services. Be sure each family member can turn off the gas, electricity, and water utilities. Know how to spot danger signs as to when a utility should be shut off. Get in touch with your local utility providers if you have any questions.

4. Keep a disaster supply kit on-hand. Always have bottled water stocked, in addition to non-perishable food items. Have a central location for keeping batteries, flashlights, and a shortwave radio. An emergency first-aid kit should also be nearby. Refresh disaster supplies every six months or so.

5. Establish evacuation routes. One of the most common and dangerous of emergencies is a house fire. Find and memorize two separate routes out of the house, and if you can, for each room too. In case of natural disasters, your family should familiarize itself with two routes for evacuation out of your neighborhood. Decide on one family contact that everyone in your family can call in case of an emergency, for example some friend or family member living in another town or out of state.