WITH OR WITHOUT Y2K, EMERGENCY PREPARATION IS JUST GOOD PLANNING

Many people are worried about problems that might occur because of Y2K, and emergency preparedness experts are trying to use that increased awareness to get people to prepare for less exotic but perhaps more likely scenarios.Charlotte Craig, director of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, isn't expecting any disasters associated with Y2K. But if talk of computers failing because they can't read the year 2000 makes people realize they should be prepared for disasters, she's ready to use it as a window or opportunity."We need to make people realize the kinds of things they should have on hand if disaster does strike," she said."We want to take the heightened awareness surrounding Y2K and earthquakes and translate it into preparedness day-in and day-out," said Mary Burton, director of the Red Cross, which has a disaster preparedness program.

It doesn't take an earthquake to cause problems, Craig said. She gave the example of a straight line wind storm that blew through Cape Girardeau last May 17, knocking out power to parts of the city for three days.There are also floods, tornadoes and ice storms that can cause damage ranging from inconvenient to devastating.Even if a storm damages only a few homes, if it's your home, it's a disaster to you, Burton said.To be ready should a disaster strike, Red Cross advises putting together a kit of supplies that will take you and your family through three days without water, electricity or other utilities. Craig and Burton, with the help of the Telephone Pioneers of America, put together 50 such kits, using a list the two women devised using information from Red Cross and paid for with money raised through Christmas for the Elderly. The kits will be distributed to elderly area residents by members of the Emergency Management Explorer Post, who have been trained in how to use the contents.But Craig and Burton hope publicity about the kits will inspire all area residents to put together similar kits of their own.Starting from scratch, the supplies in the kits can be purchased for around $75. But Craig said many people will have some of these supplies on hand in their homes.Craig points out that the content list for the kits she and Burton put together is just a starting point for basic emergency supplies. People should personalize the kits for their families and needs, stock up on non-perishable food and water and have a battery-operated radio.One way to personalize your emergency supplies, Craig says, is to go through a day making notes of things you might need in an emergency. For instance, people who wear eye glasses or take medication may want to put extras in a supply kit or where they can be easily reached.Or it may be something as simple as keeping a pair of shoes by the bed, Craig said. So if a disaster happens at night, you don't end up cutting your feet because you couldn't find your shoes."The time to prepare for emergencies is now, before disaster strikes," Burton said. "Prevention can lessen the effects of a disastrous event."

DISASTER/EMERGENCY KIT CONTENTSFollowing are suggested contents for an emergency kit for a family of two. A covered plastic storage container is a good place to store these contents. Placing contents in zip-close plastic bags can keep them dry and organized.1 roll toilet paper1 camp stove (folding Sterno)2 cans Sterno1 mess kit4 boxes waterproof matches6 books regular matches12 paper plates6 each plastic forks, spoons, knives12 disposable drinking cups1 flashlight2 D batteries2 emergency solar blankets12 hand/foot warmers6 heavy duty plastic bags1 first aid kit with 6 pairs rubber gloves, 1 bottle (8 ounces) contact lens saline (to irrigate/clean wounds), 12 knuckle bandages, 12 regular bandages, 6 Telfa pads, 1 roll medical tape, 12 packets antibiotic ointment, 3 burn gel packets, 6 wound wipes (povidone-iodine), 2 stretch gauze, 2 instant ice compresses, 6 packets each buffered aspirin and non-aspirin, scissors, tweezers, 1 bottle (4 ounces) hydrogen peroxide, 6 sanitary napkins (to use for large wound dressing)1 roll duct tape1 pocket knife1 can opener1 punch can opener2 combs1 tube toothpaste2 tooth brushes

FOR MORE INFORMATIONInformation on preparing for disasters and emergencies can be found in a number of free brochures available at the American Red Cross office, 2430 Myra Drive.These brochures, including "Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit," "Your Family Disaster Plan," "Disaster Preparedness for Seniors By Seniors" and "Food and Water in an Emergency," can help families individualize disaster plans and supplies.