5 Simple Tips to Be Prepared

Being prepared for a disaster is easy, actually doing it is the challenge. Here are some great websites dedicated to preparedness:

- www.KnoWhat2Do.org
- www.Ready.gov
- www.fema.gov

You have resources now. Now here are 5 tips:

1) Gather important documents: Ours are in a fireproof box; it's easy to get to in case of an evacuation.

2) Memorize important numbers: In this age of technology, we rely on our phones for this information. In a disaster you might not have that resource. We've memorized our parents, neighbors and each other's work and cell phone numbers. (If you need to write it down - here's a good resource.)

3) Have a kit: Our kit is in our "safe room" and includes a flashlight, first-aid kit, our KnoWhat2Do guide and face masks. You should also have the following important preparedness items:

a. Weather radio - ours is right next to the bed. It's also an alarm clock and has a battery backup.

b. Water and food - we buy extra bottled water every time it is on sale. We have three extra cases. If you don't feel like purchasing bottled water, fill up 2-litter soda bottles (empty and cleaned out of course). Our sale strategy holds true for a few non-perishable items (Cheerios, tuna, beans and canned vegetables). We always have an extra pet food. Once we open the secondary bag - we buy another.

c. Extra money - We put a few extra bucks in our fireproof box; it adds up.

4) Know where to go: Make sure everyone knows where to meet for different disasters. When we first got our home we went through and identified our safe room (interior room, away from windows, on the lowest level). We have two rooms-one for our pets and the other for us. If there's a fire, we meet in the cul-de-sac. For a flood we meet at my husband's aunt's house. We'll use Facebook to keep family posted.

5) Rehearse your plan: Our pets are very important; and it can be a trick to get them into their "safe room" or carriers for an evacuation. We've rehearsed it and have learned some tricks (for the dog rattle the leash, for the cats shake the treat bag).

Being prepared is easy. Know where to go; know what to what to do; and know what to bring - that's what it takes to be prepared.