Q Our facility was in the direct path of Hurricane Isabel. This is not something we experience often, and I don't think anyone took it seriously. Do you have any suggestions?

A As a Hurricane Andrew survivor, I speak from experience when I say that you should take hurricane or other natural disaster warnings seriously. Construct policies and procedures and in-service employees on these precautions. Personalize these policies to your center via roundtable discussions that include key management personnel and decision-makers, as well as a good representation of staff members. Make certain your board supports your policies in advance. You need a mechanism to determine when you will close the center, cancel cases and reopen the center. Don't wait until your center is in the path of the storm to make these decisions. Employee education is an important part of hurricane preparedness. Do at least an annual hurricane drill, making sure that all employees know their responsibilities.