Advanced planning can save minutes, lives in emergency
From Hurricanes Irma and Harvey to the California wildfires, there has been no shortage of extreme weather around the country. While it may appear as a daunting task, having pre-established protocols in-place during an emergency can be the difference between success and failure.
If you’re more worried about fire, flood, tornadoes, severe weather, extreme cold or heat, power outages, or man-made disasters, it’s never too early to talk with friends and family about their emergency preparedness plans. Those plans should include an emergency kit or go-bag ready and available at a moment’s notice.
FEMA, the National Fire Protection Agency, the American Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention among others are online reference sources providing checklists and flexible guides designed to help individuals and families collect and secure the supplies and documentation needed to get started.  Many items they recommend overlap, but each agency offers a basic list. Whether you buy or build one, a kit should include:
• Enough potable water and nonperishable food and energy bars for three days
• A battery- or hand-powered radio and/or NOAA weather radio
• A flashlight or other portable light including batteries

• A first-aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelter
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and zip ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench, pliers or multi-tool to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and/or solar chargers
With most things in your emergency go-bag, it’s important to periodically check that any medication, food or other perishable supplies (which can even include water or pain relievers) have not expired, and that the technology, such as your radio and battery packs, are still in working condition and compatible with your other equipment.
Additional items that should be a part of your emergency preparedness plan are critical household, financial, legal, medical, and family contact information. These records and contacts are essential as you begin the recovery process after the immediate danger has passed.
Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency by developing a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area and know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.  Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities.
While not one of us aspires to go through a real-life disaster, having the appropriate emergency preparedness plans in place can make it a much more manageable experience.  Beginning to plan today is the best investment we can make in ensuring a safe tomorrow.