The recent flooding in the Midwest has the strength and devastation of natural disasters on everyone's mind. The sad fact is that families seem to just be coming to understanding that natural disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere. Thankfully, more people are trying to educate themselves on what they can do to be prepared. No longer does natural disaster preparation refer to stocking up on bread and water. Recent disasters like the Midwest flooding and even the Katrina Hurricane disaster are forcing us to realize that families must be prepared to relocate or hunker down with vital belongings in a hurry if they want to keep their families and some of their belongings safe. This requires preparing for a disaster long-before it is devastating your home town.

FEMA and the Red Cross, along with several other disaster recovery organizations, are stressing the importance for every home to have a disaster preparation kit stocked and ready. Below are the key items each home should have in their prep kit in order to have what they need if the power goes out or roadways become blocked.

Every Day Needs

Every disaster preparation kit should include food, water, and clothing. Non-perishable items like jars of peanut butter or fruit, granola bars, crackers, and canned goods should be packed in a box along with a large store of bottled water. Each family member should also pack an emergency bag with a few days of extra clothing and keep in near the other kit materials. This way it can be easily picked up should a fast evacuation be called for.

Equipment

One of the most important things that you need in your kit is a LED flashlight, preferably the waterproof LED flashlights. Though LED flashlights can be a bit pricier than the typical grocery store flashlights, the technology of the LED waterproof flashlights make them much more useful because they are able to last several times longer than a standard flashlight and require fewer batteries over the long term. These lights also put out a much brighter light, making them good for signaling for help. Also pack replacement batteries for your LED flashlights and keep them close to the actual flashlights so they are easy to find in the dark.

A disaster kit should also include a good knife, preferably a Swiss army or utility knife. These are compact multi-purpose tools that can help cut ropes or other things that may hinder evacuation, open canned goods and remove screws in other equipment.

A battery operated AM / FM radio is important so your family can hear news regarding the disaster, weather predictions, and evacuation notices. Keep all of the equipment together in an easy to carry box or case in an easy to get to place.

Documentation

Important family documents are one of the things most often forgotten in a disaster preparation kit. You should collect and keep a zip lock bag with your family's important documents, like birth certificates, passports, marriage license, insurance information, etc. sealed inside. Keep the bag in with your disaster materials or in with an adult's clothing. These documents are vital if you want to get back on your feet once the disaster has passed.

The fact is that natural disasters can happen in a matter of minutes, and before you know it, a bad situation can turn disastrous in an instant. The best way to protect your family is to be prepared. The best way to be prepared is to have your natural disaster kits ready before the disaster strikes. It could be the difference in being able to get out of town and into a decent hotel, or a relatives home safely and scrambling to collect your things before water and winds trap your family. This has been an active season for natural disasters; don't wait until it is too late.

~Ben Anton, 2008