No one really wants to think about the aftermath of a severe emergency, but a few minutes spent today can certainly make life

easier in the event of a weather or other natural disaster.  Planning does not necessarily mean spending a lot of money, many items 

may already be available in your home, and several measures involve organization.  Time spent now may save work tomorrow.

Almost every area of the nation is subject to severe weather from time to time, be it hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, power outtages

from thunderstorms or the like !!!!  Basic essentials in your kit should be at least one (try and keep a working light on each level of

your home )  flashlight with fresh batteries (the "shake" or "crank"  flashlights are a good backup since they can sufficiently work

without batteries....BUT BEWARE:  THERE ARE DEFECTIVE (TO BE NICE, VERY NICE) SHAKE FLASHLIGHTS BEING

SOLD !!!  I say this because about this time last year I purchased a large quantity at a low price, then read an article about "fakes"

on the market.  A good test, remove the "sliding" magnet and see if it holds to your refridgerator or other metal object or place a

metallic paper clip next to the battery.  Remember, this sliding "slug"  MUST be magnetic..  The ones I purchase were not, and it

took a while to get my funds returned.  Another item is a radio with fresh batteries, or better yet, the "crank" type radios.  Good

idea to have one with the weather channels AND TV broadcast sound reception so you can at least listen to local weather reports

and news.  Always keep a few days of important medications on hand if the forecast calls for a major storm, as well as a stock of

bottled water, especially if you rely on well water and an electric pump.  An added note:  If power goes out, it is best to keep fridge

CLOSED as long as possible.  That is why I place water bottles, fruit, soda, etc. in a cooler, even in winter.  Then family can grab a

cold drink WITHOUT having to open the fridge, keeping its contents colder, longer. IMPORTANT WARNING:  NEVER EVER

USE OUTDOOR COOKING APPLIANCES INDOORS, IN THE GARAGE, ETC.  Gas grills, charcoal grills and similar heating

and cooking appliances produce DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES.  Use these wisely, like you normally would in the

summer.  The day before the storm, use plastic containers to make ice with any available space in your freezer.  In a power failure

that is extended, you may not be able to buy ice, they you can bring a block of ice down from the freezer to the fridge area every 6

hours or so, as needed.  USE CAUTION WITH CANDLES AND OPEN FLAMES, DRAPES, NEWSPAPER, ETC. CAN EASILY

CATCH FIRE,  KEEP THESE SAFE ON METAL BASES AWAY FROM FLAMMABLE ITEMS.  Another important item is

keeping in touch with family and close friends.  Preplan a contact person, preferrably at least 50 miles away.  IF direct

communication is not possible between family in the stricken area, at least a 3rd party can keep track of who is where and supply

information on other family members when checking in with them.  In turn, you can be THEIR emergency contact point should

trouble affect their region, one good turn deserves another.  With power outtages, communications can become problematic and it is

wise when phones are limited to have everyone calling 1 person than trying to make dozens of call.  Entertain the family with those

old board games that haven't been used for ages since you bought your computer and are tucked away in the attic.  LOL  !!!  

FINALLY,  USE CARE, CONSIDER ANY WIRE DOWN A "LIVE" WIRE,  EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY KNOW IT IS A

TELEPHONE LINE, AN ELECTRIC POWER LINE COULD HAVE FALLEN ACROSS IT JUST AROUND THE CORNER

AND CAUSE FATAL CONSEQUENCES.   USE CARE WITH ALL WIRES AND METAL FENCES, TREES, ETC. WHEN

THERE ARE POWER LINES DOWN OR POSSIBLE DOWN !!!  Keep copies of your important files in one place so that if

evacuation is ordered, a quick grab of document bag is easy.  Another idea is to exchange copies of insurance policies, birth

certificates and other documents with a relative some distance from yourself; that way, if either one of you is struck by an untimely

disaster, at least copies of records are available.  You can also scan these into your computer and several on line services offer

storage of such files in the event of an emergency.