Emergency preparedness tips

From blackouts to big storms, the items you need to get through a worst-case scenario may already be in your home — just not stored in one place. Since every second counts in a true emergency, corral these basics in a portable container in the area of the house where you'll seek shelter, but within easy reach for evacuation: three days' worth of food and water, a first aid kit, battery-powered (or hand-crank) flashlights and radio, batteries (if needed), trash bags and duct tape (for sheltering-in-place; see ready.gov for details), regional maps, and any personal sanitation or specific family needs, like pet supplies. Your only specialty buy: medical masks to protect against air-quality problems and infections.

Be prepared anywhere: Keep a kit at your workplace stocked with comfortable shoes (if you won't be able to walk a distance in your usual ones), snacks, water, and a flashlight; know your company's emergency procedures. In general, have on hand enough cash for five days of basic needs (gas, food) — but even $20 will help if ATMs are down.

When disaster strikes, don't rely on memory or technology — save important digits on mini contact lists (ready.gov has templates you can print out) in family members' wallets and in your emergency kit. Establish a plan for checking in with relatives in case local lines get jammed. And teach everyone to text: Even if phone lines are clogged, text messages often go through. Recharge cell phones nightly, but also consider getting a battery-operated charger like Turbo Charge ($12), the top scorer in GHRI tests. Last, store an ICE ("in case of emergency") contact in your cell, so folks will know whom to call for you.

Designate two family meeting places (nearby and farther away in your neighborhood). Hang the plan near your kit; review annually.

Don't skip this tip: Power out? Unplug appliances and electronics and turn off air conditioners to prevent damage when the electricity surges back on. Leave one lamp on so you'll know when the power's back.

Keep cleaned plastic or glass bottles filled with water; you'll need a gallon per person per day. But don't reuse milk jugs — the bacteria in dried milk can be harmful.

Toss expired foods from your kit (or eat soon-to-be-expired ones) once a year (e.g., before storm season, at back-to-school time). Remember, when you restock canned goods, choose pop-tops or stash a manual can opener in your kit.

Keep a corded landline phone, which will work if the home loses power.

Keep stockpiled emergency meds to a minimum; chances are the drugs will expire before you use them. Focus instead on immunizing your family when advised and not letting prescriptions run low. Keep an updated list of any drugs and dosages taken.