Ready for disaster

Here in Southeast Missouri, we never know what's going to hit.

A few weeks ago we had the worst ice storm in recent memory. We have tornadoes in the area every year. We can have disastrous floods. We are in an earthquake danger zone.

Red Cross officials recommend having a week's worth of supplies, including a gallon of water per person per day. In case of a major disaster like an earthquake, it could take that long for assistance to arrive from the outside.

Survival kits should include nonperishable food and equipment like blankets, duct tape, tarps and tools. A first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, dust masks, battery-powered radios, garbage bags, moist towelettes, can openers and maps are also recommended. This is a lot of supplies for the small, but real, chance of a disaster.

It may not be feasible for people to prepare everything at once, but now is a good time to start collecting emergency items. When disaster strikes, it's not prudent to count on the government for help.