Are you prepared for a disaster?

Are you and your family prepared for a natural disaster or a national emergency? I wouldn't be surprised if your answer, like mine, is no. In fact, I don't know of anyone who could say with certainty that they are well-prepared. I never even thought about it until the hurricane devastated and displaced so many in New Orleans. But even then I didn't do anything about it. After the ice storm of 2009 left us powerless for 3 days, I still did not prepare any kind of emergency kit. So if something bigger were to happen in my own back yard we'd be practically toast and I don't like the reality.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has created a website, Ready.gov, that contains everything you need to know about getting prepared, no matter where you live and no matter what may come.

You'll find the details you need to create a first aid kit that meets your family's needs exactly.

At the site you can watch instructional videos and download printer-friendly lists of supplies you should have, based on where you live and the kinds of challenges you'll most likely face.

All of the Ready Campaign's publications, plus lists and forms to help you get organized and emergency cards for every family member to put in his or her wallet, are available to you at this site. You will find special information that applies to older Americans, to individuals with disabilities and special needs, plus a special publication just for kids. All of these materials are available for you to download at no cost, right at Ready.gov. You are going to find a treasure trove of useful information. For instance, it reminds us that if we have school-aged kids we need to ask our child's school for a copy of their emergency plan for us to keep at home or work.

The site walks you through how to create a kit, make a plan, and be informed.

Commit a weekend to updating telephone numbers, buying emergency supplies and reviewing your emergency plan with everyone.

Locate your state and local community at Ready.gov, by clicking on the U.S. map or inputting your zip code. Find out the plans for your community going on in your own backyard.