Are you prepared for a disaster? A disaster can strike quickly and without warning. A disaster can force you to evacuate your home and neighborhood at any time day or night. What would you do if you lost your water, gas, electric services and your telephones were cut off? Help will be on the scene as soon as possible, but they won't be able to reach everyone right away.

We live in uncertainty where nature's forces can be severe at any time and without warning. The best defense is to be prepared for anything. If you live in a coastal town, in the midwest, California or any major metropolitan area, you should be prepared for all types of emergencies such as: fire, hurricanes, tornados, nuclear accidents, terrorism, storms, electrical blackouts, earthquakes and toxic spills.

The Red Cross and FEMA have websites with information to prepare you for such disasters. Here is a list copied from FEMA:
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:

* Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
* Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.
* Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
* Flashlight and extra batteries.
* First aid kit and manual.
* Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
* Matches and waterproof container.
* Whistle.
* Extra clothing.
* Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
* Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
* Cash and coins.
* Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
* Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
* Other items to meet your unique family needs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

* Jacket or coat.
* Long pants.
* Long sleeve shirt.
* Sturdy shoes.
* Hat, mittens, and scarf.
* Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).

Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes. See Appendix B for a detailed checklist of disaster supplies. You may want to add some of the items listed to your basic disaster supplies kit depending on the specific needs of your family.
Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:

* Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
* Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
* Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
* Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
* Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
* Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
* Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
* Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

One good option is to pack your supplies safely in a car top carrier that is ready to put on your vehicle in a moments notice. The addition of a car top carrier to your disaster plan has the following advantages:

1. Added vehicle capacity allows you to take valuable belongings or survival gear that you would have otherwise left behind.
2. Pre-paced gear allows for faster evacuation and getting a jump on the traffic.
3. A quality car top carrier makes a good device to store evacuation supplies.
4. Car carriers with the special liner have been tested in rainstorms on top of cars traveling 70mph for hours and miles on end and found to keep gear protected.
5. You don't need a big SUV or a luggage rack.

You can purchase a car carrier here at AZ Cargo Accessories.