Have emergency plan everyone knows

PEOPLE: Have a plan for getting out of the house and make sure everyone knows it. Have an emergency bag of food and water for your family. Include wholesome snacks and treats for the children: dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers and granola bars.

PETS: Keep pet carriers and leashes readily available to lead pets to safety. Also take pet food with you.

PICTURES: Keep negatives or CDs of pictures in a lock box or at a family member's home. Have picture albums in one place ready to grab and go at a moment's notice.

PAPERS: Have all your important papers in a lock box at a bank and only keep copies at the house. This keeps you from panicking. If you have them at home, then put them in a folder that you can easily grab if you have to move fast. Color code it so you can find it.

PRESCRIPTIONS: Take your medications. Don't forget the ones that have to be refrigerated. Have a small ice chest and cold packs ready to pack and go. Remember their formula or medications.

PURSES and PETROL: This is where you keep your identification, credit cards and cash. Keep a stash of cash for emergencies and grab it. You may not be able to use an ATM in the event of a power outage. Make sure your car always has a half tank of gas.

PROPER CLOTHES and COMFORT ITEMS: According to the weather conditions; gather up a change of clothes along with outer clothing: coats, rain gear, boots, gloves and hats. If you have babies, remember diapers. Remember to grab your children's favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy. A game or a deck of cards could keep them occupied and calm, too.

PLANNER/CALENDAR/CONTROL JOURNAL: These documents have all the information you will need — phone numbers, insurance numbers and important dates. They are small and filled with things you don't have to try to remember.

PERSONAL PROTECTION: Many of us still have a need for feminine hygiene products. Be sure and grab a box of your preferred protection. It may be hard to find if you have been evacuated. Stress can cause our bodies to do strange things, too. So be prepared. Take medication for cramps, too.