Nothing can be done to prevent or control natural disasters and other catastrophes once they happen. What you can control is being ready by thinking ahead - and assembling these items:

• Three day supply of drinking water
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Fresh batteries
• Blankets
• Copies of important family documents (including insurance policies)
• Extra keys
• Food that doesn't need cooking
• Work gloves
• Clothing
• List of medications
• Cash

Also, keep a traditional corded landline telephone available. They work during power outages when cordless phones are useless and cell phones can’t be recharged.

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