Putting together a kit of essential supplies is the best way to make sure your vital needs are met for at least three days, preferably five. "Comfort" supplies are fine, but what you'll really want to concentrate on are sustenance, power, communications and transportation.

One kit should be "keep at home" supplies while the other is an "grab and go" collection of essentials to take with you in the event of an evacuation. These kits can be much the same, with one containing enough supplies for the duration and the other with enough supplies to carry you through what can often be a long and arduous evacuation (12-24 hours, in many cases).

Start with at least one gallon of water per day per person, assuming you will need enough for both drinking water, basic sanitation and pets. Then include a supply of non-perishable food, such as trail mix, protein bars, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter, bread, various snack foods and canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Basic clothing and blankets are essential, too, even in warm weather.

Those are the necessities but other supplies are extremely helpful, too (think "camping gear" and you'll be on the right track): first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, can opener, pocket knife and ice. Lots of ice. And don't forget your uniquely personal supplies, such as prescription medications and important documents.

Beyond these essentials, consider other things that may help add to your comfort and reduce stress: maps for travel (you don't want to have to ask directions in the midst of an evacuation), a list of important contacts, waterless personal hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, toilet paper and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. We've also gotten plenty of use out of battery-powered lanterns, an extra cell phone with a different carrier (consider one with a pay-as-you-go plan to limit expense), even a deck of cards.

Every little addition can help not only add to your comfort but also reduce the inherent stress of an emergency situation; simply consider how much you will be able to store and/or carry with you in an evacuation. And most importantly, keep your cool. Even the most calm among us can get rattled in an emergency situation, and it will be up to you to distinguish between rational decisions and panic. The more preparations you've made and supplies you've gathered, the more likely you'll be able to remain calm and patient.

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