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The mere mention of the words disaster preparation makes most people cringe because they know if a disaster hit today their household is not prepared. It is amazing how many households are not even prepared for a two or three hour power outage in an electrical storm with a working flashlight in each room of the house and at least one lantern. If yours is one of those households imagine what would become of your family should a real disaster strike the area in which you live. It could be days or even weeks before rescue efforts reach your household.

Though you may not live in an area known for being at risk for a disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or flooding, no home is safe from the possibility of some type of disaster of that magnitude. Terrorism and warfare put us all at risk.

An emergency of the above magnitude can cause can cause prolonged power outages, contaminated water supplies or lack of water, and inability to leave the house. The latter of which makes it impossible to go out and buy flashlights and lanterns, a battery operated radio, batteries, camping stoves, butane to operate the stove, food, and water for your family were you unprepared even if it were available somewhere. In addition to the items mentioned your household needs an ample supply of blankets, particularly in areas which experience the wrath of a winter season. Families with small children need to keep extra disposable diapers on hand. It is also of major importance that your family have a plan of action in place should a disaster hit, including a particular area within the house that all family members are to immediately go to.

Top on most everyone's list of concerns beyond being able to see to maneuver in the house is food and water. Every household needs at least five to ten gallons of water on hand in the form of spring water or distilled water purchased from a store. The gallon jugs are sealed and can be stored in a closet or large pantry. If you have a water filter in place on your kitchen sink it is advisable to save some empty plastic jugs as well. In the event you are forewarned of an impending disaster, such as a hurricane, you can run additional water from the kitchen sink to fill the empty jugs and use that water supply first before using the stored water.

Food can be stored as canned goods and dry grains, freeze dried foods, or MRE's. MRE means meal, ready to eat, and is also referred to as military rations. I would also recommend you have a good supply stocked of

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