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Do you know what to do if facing an emergency? When a disaster strikes, it is too late to plan your next move. You need to plan ahead for any kind of possible emergency. Don't be overwhelmed, be proactive!

It doesn't take much to be prepared. You can do it in an hour or so. Here's what you need to pack in a container you can grab as you go out your door:

* a 2-day supply of non-perishable foods that don't require cooking, such as granola or power bars, peanut butter, crackers, candy bars & fruit snacks, and other sealed hand-foods

* a three-day supply of water per person (two gallons a day each)
* a couple of blankets (emergency blankets are sheets of mylar that are pretty good at containing body heat, available at sporting goods stores)
* first aid kit
* prescription medications
* flashlights with batteries (extra batteries are advised)
* hand-crank radio
* hand-sanitizer
* toilet paper, tissues, paper towels
* Photocopies of birth certificates, bank account records, insurance policies (can you scan these documents onto your computer? Burn them onto a CD for easy portability!)

Have pets? You'll want to make plans for them, too. If you have to evacuate, American Red Cross shelters don't take pets, so you'll need to make arrangements with family, friends or a kennel in advance. They may not need to evacuate. Pack some pet food, waste scoop and water for your pet.

Sometimes evacuations are ordered at very short notice. Learn the roads in your area and plan an alternative route to get out if your main access roads are blocked. If you get stuck in your vehicle, stay with your car, unless there is fast-rising water. If the water is not posing a threat to walk through, get out of the car and move to high ground.

If you have to shelter in place (at home or at work), stay calm and call for help. Emergency workers probably know you need them and are working to get to you. Don't burn up your cellphone battery by making long or unnecessary calls. Keep the 'fridge door closed. Use your water supply sparingly.

Emergency management professionals want us all to know how to survive and be safe when disaster strikes. It isn't impossible to make it through a horrible crisis, but your chances of being OK faster are greatly improved if you plan in advance. As winter approaches and has already handed a lot of folks some nasty weather, it is common sense to be prepared!

Another quick note: When the cold gets rough, don't resort to unconventional methods to warm up. DO NOT heat a room by turning on an oven, DO NOT burn paper or other flammable products on your stove, and DO NOT burn flammable liquids in heaters other than those the burner is designed for!

By using non-recommended products for heat, you can create toxic gases that you may not see or smell, or recognize as harmful. A few extra layers of clothing won't kill you, but carbon monoxide gases can!

Your personal safety is your responsibility first and foremost. If you can keep yourself in a safe environment, you should! When you endanger yourself, you endanger those who come to rescue you. So be smart, plan ahead and stay safe.

Learn more about this author, Pat Wilson.
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