At the first mention of impending bad weather did your mother run out to the store for milk and bread and eggs? There were not too many times when it was so severe that the dairy deliveries couldn't get through for more than 24 hours but something compels people to run out for staples as soon as they hear bad weather is on the horizon. My parents grew up during the civil defense years after World War II. Back then emergency preparedness meant getting under your desk and covering your head with your hands.

Until the events of recent years we considered freedom and our own personal security an American birthright. If we are to learn anything from the lessons of the past few years it should be that we need to bring back that uniquely American quality of self-reliance. Today we are all faced with multiple vulnerabilities. Are we prepared? Threats come in all varieties. Depending on where we live it could be earthquakes, or tornadoes, or hurricanes, floods, blizzards, etc. We are threatened by enemies who are committed to destroying our way of life. They are not easily dissuaded from their objective. We don't know where and we don't know when but chances are that disaster will strike and first responders may not be able to reach you during the first 72 hours. We saw this during hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. How prepared are you to keep your family safe until help arrives. How you react during those first 72 hours will make a difference.

Every family should have an emergency preparedness plan. It should be known to all family members. Every home should have an emergency kit that contains vital supplies to help your family through a variety of circumstances. Don't know where to get started? The Department of Homeland Security has a website with information for citizens about emergency preparedness at called ready.gov. . Below is a suggested list of supplies

Items To Include In An Emergency Preparedness 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 non-perishable food 
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
* 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, plastic ties, and a 5 gallon can for personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
* Local maps
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
* Prescription medications and glasses
* Infant formula and diapers
* Pet food and extra water for your pet
* Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
* Cash or traveler's checks and change
* Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
* Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
* Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
* Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
* Fire Extinguisher
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
* Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
* Paper and pencil
* Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Ready-made kits are also available in a variety of sizes and for specific emergencies. For more information search ebay.

What if an emergency strikes and your family is not together? What if your house catches fire? How will you get your family to safety? Sit down with your family and discuss a plan. Find out what emergency plans are in place at your child's school, your place of work, your community government. Be aware of which potential threats are more likely to occur in your area. Every family member should carry a communications list of phone numbers and addresses for other family members. Even the youngest child at school should carry a card with important contact information. Discuss with your family where and how you'll meet up or look for each other. The plan should include both an area near the outside of the home in case of an emergency like a house fire, and another location outside the neighborhood in case it is not safe to return home. Free information and checklists are available at FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security websites.

We are all too painfully aware that we live every day under the threat of many different possible disaster or emergency scenarios. With all the good intentions in the world first responders may not be able to get to you right away. Your own self-reliance may be all you can count on. Protect your family. Have the forethought to be prepared.