he terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001 left many people concerned about what to do in the event of another attack. While it's impossible to predict the exact nature of any future terrorist attempts, there are some commonsense steps the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) recommends that you can take in case of an unexpected emergency whether caused by terrorism or by a natural disaster.

Create an emergency communications plan.

Choose an out-of-town contact your family or household will call or e-mail to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away that he or she would unlikely be directly affected by the same event. Let that person know he or she is the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that contact’s information as well. Leave these contact numbers at your workplace and your children’s schools, if you have children. Many people flood the telephone lines when emergencies happen but e-mail can sometimes get through when calls don’t.

Establish a meeting place.

Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit.

Whether you need to evacuate your home or are asked to “shelter in place,” (stay where you are) having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable.

Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can. Include “special needs” items for any member of your household (infant formula for babies or items for people with disabilities), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each household member, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery powered radio or television and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools. It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit.

Copies of essential documents-like powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your will-should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. A safe deposit box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town is a good choice.

For more complete instructions, ask your local Red Cross chapter for the brochure titled Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit (stock number A4463).

Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have.

Find out if your children’s school will keep students there until a parent or designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. Be sure that the school has updated information about how to reach parents and responsible caregivers to arrange for pickup. And, ask what type of authorization the school may require to release a child to someone you designate, if you are not able to pick up your child. During times of emergency the school telephones may be overwhelmed with calls.

For more information on putting together a disaster plan, request a copy of the brochure titled Your Family Disaster Plan (A4466) from your local American Red Cross chapter. You may also want to request a copy of Before Disaster Strikes . . . How to Make Sure You’re Financially Prepared (A5075) for specific information on what you can do now to protect your assets.