Be Prepared. It's Not Just A Motto For Boy Scouts

Are you prepared for a large-scale emergency situation?

Recent record snowfall around the U.S., as well as the upcoming tornado season, once again brings to mind the need for emergency preparedness.

Possible scenarios include earthquakes, tornados, flash floods, blizzards, and even acts of terrorism. Whether the event happens while you're at home or while you're traveling by car, you might need to quickly relocate to a safer area.

While you can't be prepared for every possible situation, there are some basic things you can do to greatly increase your family's chance of survival if you become the victims of a major disaster or are somehow stranded in harsh conditions.

One of the best ways to prepare is to make a 72-hour emergency kit for every member of your household. An emergency supply kit doesn't have to be expensive; it only needs to contain enough essentials to help you get by until help arrives.

An inexpensive school backpack would work fine to hold your supplies, and it should be small and light enough to be easily portable. You want something you can grab quickly and get out if the situation calls for you to leave your home (or car) in a hurry and under dire circumstances. Putting it together can be a fun family project. Get creative with it and experiment a little; you'll learn a lot.

The following is a bare bones list of essentials that you'll be glad to have with you if a disaster occurs:

• Change of clothes / shoes: This should be kept season-appropriate, so when winter comes, replace those cotton socks with wool ones and add a warm shirt.
• Water: Have a 48 oz. container for each person. It won't be enough for comfort, but it'll keep you alive for 72 hours in most circumstances. You might also want to consider a means of water purification, such as a small, portable filter or purification tablets.
• Food: Some energy bars like the ones athletes use don't take up much space, but they're packed with calories and will help you keep your energy up. Nine or ten for each kit should work.
• Mylar emergency blanket: They're also commonly referred to as "space blankets". They're thin, but they can help you preserve body heat if you get wet or chilled.
• Cash: ATM's and credit card readers might not work in a major disaster if the power is out.
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Multi-tool, like a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife
• A small first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
• Lighter or waterproof matches. A heat source can be a life saver if you're stuck outdoors in cold weather.
• Plastic tarp or poncho: Good for protection against wind and rain if you're stuck outside.
• Copies of important documents: Keeping these on a flash drive with a second one as a backup could save you a lot of headaches in the aftermath of a disaster.

Of course, there are several things you might add for an even better kit, but if you have at least these things and you keep them in an accessible place (like under your bed, in a closet by the back door or in your car), you can grab your pack and go without being left helpless and empty-handed if a disaster should force you to relocate quickly and without warning.