By Sherri Simmons, President and CEO

With Hurricane Isaac poised to cut its swath across the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, it reminds many of us once again of the devastation wrought by Katrina – and of the lessons learned.

As communications experts, we think in terms of disaster planning, management and recovery for our business and our clients – but we often can be remiss in doing the same for our families.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.ready.gov) has an easily accessible planning guide so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and how to communicate if disaster strikes – whether it’s a natural disaster, pandemic flu or home fire.

It also includes a very handy checklist for a home disaster kit. At first glance, the list is quite exhaustive, but for those who have faced days without access to power, food, fresh water, medicines and other life necessities, these supplies are crucial.  The list also serves as a reminder for items you might not think of in a mad dash to the grocery store, such as food for your pets.

While it may seem to be a “sky is falling” mentality – in times of disaster, it often seems it has.