As a charter member of the Homeownership Alliance, the National Association of Realtors is also participating in the distribution of the guide to Realtors and to consumers.

"This will be a great help to homeowners on how to prepare themselves to react in any kind of emergency situation like floods, fires or terrorism," said National Association of Realtors President Al Mansell.

The guide is a valuable resource for homeowners on the practical measures they can take to prepare their families and their homes for different types of emergencies. The booklet includes information on collecting emergency supplies, making effective emergency plans for families and understanding the kinds of threats homeowners may face. In addition, the booklet lists resources available through the Department of Homeland Security, the Homeownership Alliance and local government and community officials.

Secretary Tom Ridge of the Department of Homeland Security said his agency was pleased to join the alliance in creating the guide. "As a result of our partnership, the resources and tools of the department's Ready campaign will be available to assist new homeowners in America to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for emergencies," Ridge said.

The idea is to get a copy of the guide to new homeowners so they can have a handy reference to protect the investment in their home as well as to keep their families safe in the event of an emergency or other safety threat. The guide focuses on planning and offers a common-sense approach to dealing with a variety of emergencies, from fires to terrorist threats.

Preparing for a natural disaster is not new to Californians. Earthquake preparedness has always received a strong focus from early school days when students learn to duck and cover to periodic wake-up calls with any activity on the Richter scale. After 9/11, however, terrorist threats became a reality along with the potential for biological or chemical attacks.

What can homeowners do to be prepared? Gathering the proper emergency supplies and then taking the time to devise a plan of action are the necessary first steps. The guide offers the following tips for homeowners.

Emergency supply kits should be portable in case there is a need to evacuate. Some people make two kits--one lightweight bag such as a shopping bag, backpack or duffel bag to carry away, and another kit with everything needed to stay at home. Fresh water, food and clean air are the essential items to consider. People should be able to improvise by using what's on hand for at least three days.

It is recommended that families store one gallon of water per person per day for both drinking and sanitation purposes. When packing food in the emergency kit, make sure to choose items that won't spoil and don't have to be cooked or heated. Protein or fruit bars, cereal, canned foods and juices, peanut butter, dried fruit, crackers and baby foods are good choices. Don't forget eating utensils, cups and a manual can opener. Essential medications should be included in the emergency kit as well, along with specialty items that suit the individual family's needs, such as diapers, formula and pet food.

Other items that should go into the kit include flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a utility knife, extra cash and identification. It's also a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand that contains items to stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Emergency supply kits should be checked periodically to rotate out medications and food items according to expiration dates and to make sure batteries maintain a charge. After gathering the supplies together, it's time to sit down and develop a family communication plan.

Since family members may not be together when disaster strikes, it's important to establish a contact system so that family members can check in. Often phone lines are down in the area involved in the disaster and it can be easier to contact someone out of state by either email or phone. Each family member should carry the contact number with them and check in as soon as possible.

Determining whether to stay in the home or to leave will depend on instructions from local authorities. If told to evacuate, be sure to follow instructions and leave immediately.

Having a plan in place in advance will help family members know what to do and where to assemble. It's important to understand what site-specific emergency plans are in place at schools, daycare providers, workplaces and other community buildings.

While fires, floods and earthquakes are some of the most common disasters, the threat of terrorist attacks has now been added to the list. The Emergency Preparedness Guide offers information and tips regarding specific terrorist threats such as biological and chemical attacks. The guide also provides resources from a variety of groups that provide further information about disaster preparedness.

To download a copy of the Emergency Preparedness Guide, go to www.homeownershipalliance.com or check out www.ready.gov for more information from the Department of Homeland Security.