Having the right emergency supplies on hand when a disaster occurs can make a big difference.

Assemble a home Disaster Supplies Kit with enough supplies to meet your needs at home for least three days:

• Water. At least one gallon per person per day.
• Food. Non-perishable items you’d want to eat - such as canned food (and manual can opener), energy bars, peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight (click here to purchase) and extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit (click here to purchase) and manual - as well as prescription and non-prescription medical items.
• Special items for those with special needs, such as children and older loved ones - as well as pets or service animals.
• Clothing. A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Personal items. Remember eye glasses or contact lenses and solution, personal care and hygiene items, extra charged cell phone batteries and comfort items such as toys or books.
• Important documents including money.  Be sure to include copies of identification, licenses, titles and deeds, as well as banking, insurance, medical and other vital documents. Remember to include cash - ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.

Store your supplies in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack, duffle bag or plastic bin. Also assemble a smaller Go Bag (click here to purchase) – a hands-free backpack or suitcase on wheels – with items you may need in an evacuation. Keep a second Go Bag in your car.

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Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster.

Discuss the types of emergencies that could occur in your area with your family and loved ones. Explain what to do in each case.

Establish responsibilities for each household member. Plan to work as a team.

Pick two places to meet: (1) Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire and (2) outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Designate an out-of-area friend or relative as a "family contact” for everyone to call. After a disaster, it"s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.

Plan on how you will take care of your pets. Because most shelters are unable to accept animals due to health regulations, contact your vet or boarder, or the humane society, to learn about options during emergency situations. Make sure you have items for your pet in your preparedness kit as well.

Teach adult household members when and how to turn off electricity, water and gas.

Tell household members where emergency information and supplies are kept. Make copies of the information for everyone to carry at all times.

Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route. Map out alternative routes in case main roads are impassable. Revise your plans as needed.

Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card. Download here.

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Know what may happen and how you can help.

Learn what disasters may occur where you live, work and play. A home fire or medical emergency can affect only you and your family. A flood or a blackout can affect your entire community.

Attend a Red Cross Prepare New York or Preparing for the Unexpected presentation to learn more specific information about how to prepare for disasters in your community.

Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, whether through local radio, TV, or NOAA weather radio stations or channels.

Learn First Aid and CPR. During a major disaster loved ones can be hurt and emergency response delayed. Knowing simple first aid techniques can give you the skills and confidence to help when someone is injured. Knowing CPR may help you save a life.

Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed, too.