If you home had been hit by one of the recent storms, would you have been prepared? If your answer is “no,” now is the time to take action!

An excellent website to look at is www.ready.gov . You will find lists of supplies to have on hand, suggestions for a disaster plan and ways to keep informed. Here is the basic list of items you will want to have in a basic emergency supply kit:

*Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

*Food, at least a three- day supply of nonperishable food.

*Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries.

*Flashlight and extra batteries.

*First aid kit.

*Whistle to signal for help.

*Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

*Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

*Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

*Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).

*Local maps.

*Cell phone with chargers, inverters or solar chargers.

Of course you may want to include other items that pertain to your family like medications, formula, diapers, supplies for your pets and so on. The main thing is that you the essentials for your family and to have them ready.

For more information and items to include in your kit go to ready.gov—under the plan ahead tab and the other tabs are many resources to make sure you have a plan in place and are ready for any disaster that may strike. Another important item is a “grab and go” bag.

K-State Research and Extension has a publication to help you plan ahead. It’s called, Get Financially Prepared: Take Steps Ahead of Disaster. It can be found at: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3055.pdf Let’s hope that you don’t need to use this, but it good to be prepared for any kind of emergency you might be faced with.