Hurricane Katrina's wake has shown us that we simply cannot take our family's health and safety at home for granted. While a flood may never happen to you, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other catastrophes can and do strike millions of householders each year. It's only prudent to prepare for them.

 

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If your family is prepared, you should be able to weather most disasters just fine. In the days ahead, make assembling a family disaster kit a top priority (that's if you don't have one already). Your kit should contain enough supplies to see your family through at least three days — preferably seven — without basic services. While you can buy emergency kits, it's simpler and less expensive to create your own.

Start with a few basics: drinking water (about one-half gallon per person daily), canned or dried food, can opener, gas stove, current family photos (to help find family members who are missing), flashlights and radio with spare batteries, lantern, heavy-duty work gloves, candles, matches and a first aid kit.

Next, add attention-getters such as flares or an alarm to summon emergency crews, a personal commode with sanitary bags, a tarp and several sturdy plastic lawn-and-leaf bags. A crowbar and shovel are useful if you need to work your way to a family member trapped by fallen objects. A hammer and nails will help secure your home's doors and windows if you must evacuate.

In addition, you should stash enough cash to see you and your family through several days, as banks and automated teller machines may be shut down. Don't forget food, water and a leash or cage for pets.

Store these supplies in a duffel bag or backpack that you can easily carry should you have to evacuate. Keep all items that don't fit in the bag, such as water containers, in a place where they're easy to reach in a hurry. To top off your kit, tape a 'Don't Forget' list of last-minute items to take such as an extra pair of glasses, your address book, important documents and keepsakes. (Editor’s note: In the case of fire, The United States Fire Administration (USFA) warns against stopping to get belongings on your way out. Fires can burn fast, and fumes can quickly overpower you. The USFA offers an illustrated online training brochure for children here.)

Here are a few disaster-specific tips:

Fire

Make smoke detectors and fire extinguishers a part of your decor. The best extinguisher is an easy-to-handle 2- or 5-pound model designed to put out most household fires. Put one in your kitchen and one in any other room where a fire might start.

Floods

If you live in an area prone to floods, make sure to include life preservers with your disaster kit. If meteorologists issue a flood watch, move your furniture and valuables (time permitting) to a higher floor of your home. Then fill up your car at the gas station in case evacuation is necessary. If a flood warning is sounded, a flood is imminent. Turn on the TV or radio for weather updates and evacuation routes. Grab your emergency disaster kit, collect your valuables in large plastic bags and get out.

Earthquakes

If your home is in earthquake country, bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs to prevent them from toppling onto family members in the event of a temblor. Store heavy objects on lower shelves where they are less likely to fall on people. In case an earthquake strikes at night, stash under your bed a pair of shoes in a plastic bag (broken glass may shower the floor). Next to them keep a flashlight and a crowbar to pry open jammed doors.

Finally, here are some additional tips for better coping:

• Buy a battery-powered radio and fan.
  
  
• Turn off any appliances that were running when the disaster struck. Make sure your computer and other sensitive equipment are completely shut off in case there's a power surge when the power comes back on. Invest in a surge protector beforehand. Keep one light on so you'll know when power returns.
  
  
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. If you keep the doors closed, food should stay fresh about four to six hours. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, transfer it to a cooler with ice after six hours.
  
  
• Know how to open your garage door manually.
  
  
• Generators may seem like an attractive backup but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Consult an electrician. Never operate a generator indoors or hook it up to your home's electrical system.
  
  
• Use the phone only for emergencies.
  
  
• The ground floor is your best place to hang out (unless it's flooded, of course). It stays cooler longer in the summer and warmer longer in the winter.
  
  
• Keep some cash on hand as ATMs don't work when the electricity is off.
  
  
• Avoid using the car as traffic lights will probably be out. Always keep your gas tank in your car at least half full because many gas stations have electrical gas pumps.