ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is offering a preparedness checklist called “Be Prepared” on its website, www.acca.org. The in-depth checklist consists of preparations that can be made prior to a natural (or man-made) disaster. It offers tips to help one’s home and business have the best possible chance for a positive outcome should a disaster strike one’s community by preparing in advance, said ACCA. The information comes from the federal government website www.ready.gov.

The main elements of the plan consist of a basic emergency supply kit (including a first aid checklist); physical protection for you, your family, and your employees (including practicing the plan); insurance; and getting back to business.

If any ACCA members have been affected by a disaster or catastrophe or know of any ACCA members who have been so affected, ACCA urges them to contact its national headquarters at 703-575-4477 so aid can be offered quickly to those in need.

To make a contribution to ACCA’s Disaster Relief Fund, members can contact Rosemary Graeme, the Disaster Relief Committee manager, at 703-575-4477 or rosemary.graeme@acca.org. The ACCA Disaster Relief Committee was established in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to help members who experience an extraordinary disaster significantly impacting their businesses.

For more information, go to www.acca.org or www.ready.gov.

Publication date:05/23/2011