Is your family prepared for any disaster?
Fire. Earthquakes. Floods. Drought. Power grid blackout. Dirty bomb. Avian flu. Are we prepared for emergencies? The county and the school districts have established emergency plans of action. But the problem is that individuals don't take responsibility, but look to public agencies for help. "What is the government/schools/police doing about this?"

Well, what are you doing?

Any fire department, police or government center would tell you that each person, every family, neighborhood, community should have enough preparation and back-up supplies to last at least seven days without the help of an intervening agency.

Let's start with the basics. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it's best to store first aid supplies in a toolbox or fishing tackle box so they will be easy to carry and protected from water. Inspect your kit regularly and keep it freshly stocked with drugs/medications including hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds, antibiotic ointment, individually wrapped alcohol swabs, aspirin and nonaspirin tablets, prescriptions and any long-term medications, diarrhea medicine, eye drops, dressings, bandage strips, Ace bandages, rolled gauze, cotton-tipped swabs and an adhesive tape roll.

Other important supplies include a first aid book, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, bar soap, tissues, sunscreen, paper cups, a pocketknife, small plastic bags, safety pins, needle and thread, instant cold packs for sprains, sanitary napkins and splinting materials.

A basic survival kit would include tools such as an ax, shovel, broom, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench, rope for towing or rescue, plastic sheeting and tape.

Items for safety and comfort would include sturdy shoes that can provide protection from debris on the ground, heavy gloves that are durable for cleaning up rubble, candles, waterproof matches, a few changes of clothing, a knife, garden hose for siphoning and firefighting, a tent, recreational supplies for children and adults, blankets or sleeping bags, a portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, eyeglasses, a dry chemical-type fire extinguisher, food and water for pets, toilet tissue and cash.

With basic supplies on hand, a family will have a fighting chance to survive disaster. For more information, go to www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/supplies.asp.