Preparedness
You and your family will cope best by preparing before a disaster strikes. One way is by assembling a disaster supplies kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you have gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Disaster supplies kit
Make sure you have plenty of water and nonperishable food - at least a three-day supply per person. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno chaffing dish fuel.

Kits include

A first-aid kit (nonprescription drugs, tools and supplies) Aluminum foil  Battery-operated radio and extra batteries Cash or traveler's checks and change Clothing and bedding  Compass  Emergency-preparedness manual Fire extinguisher (small canister type) Flashlight and extra batteries Important family documents Map of the area (for locating shelters) Matches in a waterproof container Medicine dropper  Mess kit (paper cups, plates and plastic utensils)

Needles and thread  Nonelectric can opener Paper and pencil  Plastic sheeting Plastic storage containers Pliers Sanitation supplies Shut-off wrench (to turn off household gas and water) Signal flare Supplies for babies or children Tape Tube tent Utility knife Whistle

More information
For additional information on a 72-hour disaster supplies kit, visit the FEMA website.