FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Print and broadcast journalists (including this reporter) have spent much time since the Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, urging readers, listeners and viewers to prepare for the possibility a tropical storm or hurricane might come our way.

With Hurricane Bertha churning in the Atlantic (although not expected at press time to impact the Gulf states), it’s a good time to find out if the message reached its mark.

To do that, the Washington, D.C.-based Council for Excellence in Government has developed the Readiness Quotient (RQ) Test, a quick and simple online survey to gauge your preparedness for an emergency.

Located at www.whatsyourrq.org, the 10-questions assess how prepared you are for a weather emergency, natural disaster or terrorist attack, and provides you with a personalized score (from 1 to 10).

Based on your RQ score, you’ll receive easy steps on how you can improve your score and increase your preparedness. You can also find out the average score for your zip code and the nation.

Samantha Donaldson, outreach and communications director for the organization, said Monday, “This test was developed in 2006, over a two-year period. The questions are the most predictive of a person’s readiness, and were written with the assistance of first responders, academics, elected and appointed officials, private sector partners and experts from the emergency management community. They are knowledge and action questions.”

The types of questions included range from knowing the disaster plan for your local community to preparing a disaster supplies kit.

“You take the test, and you find out how you compare to your neighbors,” she said. “The national average was measured at 4.14 out of 10 last September during National Preparedness Month.”

Donaldson noted that by tracking the RQ over a period of time, local government, business and community groups are able to collect and retrieve preparedness data specific to their population and obtain a benchmark score they can use to address gaps, plan education and training and track progress over time.

Key partners in this effort were the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the American Red Cross, Ready.gov and Citizens Corps.

In a press release, Mary S, Elcano, acting president and CEO of the American Red Cross, said, “By taking three basic preparedness actions you can get ‘Red Cross Ready’” for disasters and other emergencies. Get a kit, make a plan and be informed. The Red Cross is also here to help you get prepared for specific disasters like hurricanes. Even if you took action to prepare last hurricane season, it’s important that you revisit and update your communication plan and check your disaster supplies kit for expired items.”

Donaldson said, “It’s important to help individuals and families with their Readiness Quotient. They need to take the test to see where they are in preparedness level.”

It takes just a few minutes to find out how prepared you actually are. Visit the site, take the test, then pass along the link to your family and friends.

Among the tips offered:

• Be aware of your local government’s emergency or disaster plan.

• Know how to find the Emergency Broadcast Channel on the radio.

• Look and listen for messages that encourage preparedness.

• Prepare a disaster supply kit.

• Prepare a “go” kit.

• Create a family communications plan.

• Establish a specific meeting place.

• Practice or drill on what to do in an emergency.

• Volunteer and get trained to help during emergencies.

• Learn first aid.

Donaldson said The Council for Excellence in Government, founded in 1983, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves as an independent catalyst for constructive change in government and meaningful public engagement.

She said its mission is to improve the performance of government at all levels, and to enhance the connection between citizens and government. The Council is a leader in homeland security issues and emergency preparedness.

“We also work to improve the connection of citizens to the government,” Donaldson said. She pointed out the Council’s Web site provides important links to partner organizations that also have important information to help folks deal with an emergency.