From Robin McClure,
Your Guide to Child Care.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign is urging families to prepare for the worst in the event of a natural disaster, terror attack, or other emergency to protect themselves. But the kit takes planning and information. Here is what your household survival kit should include:

Water and Food:
-- Families should stock a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food and a hand-operated can opener (recommended amount of water is approximately 1 gallon of water per person per day)

Basic supplies:
-- Flashlight and extra batteries, fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, wrench, scissors, pliers, matches
-- Plastic garbage bags, paper goods, disinfectant (hand sanitizers are handy also)
-- Map of area, whistle, signal flares, compass
-- Copies of important papers (insurance, bank accounts) (NOTE: specific documents should include birth, death and marriage certificates; divorce and child-custody papers; immunization records of all family members; passports; military records; your family's Social Security cards; copies of driver's licenses; mortgage/property deeds; stock and bond certificates; car titles; list of insurance policies that includes life, health, disability, long-term care, auto, homeowners and rental and associated policy numbers; copy of will; power of attorney; and living will)
-- Instructions to loved ones, important medical information (such as known allergies), details about banking such as location of safety deposit box, contact details about next of kin

First-Aid Kit:
-- Alcohol pads, antibiotic and burn ointment, eyewash, bandages
-- Pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxative, activated charcoal, iodine
-- Prescription medicines for three days
-- Personal-hygiene items for three days (deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste)

Clothing:
-- Several changes of clothing to reflect temperature changes
-- Light jacket
-- Comfortable shoes and extra pair of socks
-- Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
-- Diapers and wipes for infants along with an extra pacifier and other infant-related items such as sipper cups, bottles, etc.

Air Purifiers:
-- Face mask to cover nose and mouth
-- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off to a "safety" room
-- If possible, have a portable air purifier or fan with high-efficiency particulate air filter

So, what else should families do to prepare?

Make a family plan. Families should discuss and document how they will get and stay in contact with each other. All adults should have an emergency contact number and cellphone or phone card (a great idea is to have a family member make wallet-sized cards with this information and give out a family event)

Know emergency plans. Do you know your emergency plans and procedures at your workplace, your child's daycare or school, or at the workplace of your spouse? Information is key; find out!

Be informed. An emergency is not the time to realize you don't know how to best keep in communication and have appropriate numbers. Plan now for the best possible preparation and protection.

For more information, call 1-800-BE-READY or visit online at www.ready.gov.