1. Preparedness Manual Find a 3 ring binder, dividers, and pocket inserts. This will be your Preparedness Manual in which you place all the information you are gathering on being prepared. In addition this folder will contain other important information you will need in case of emergency.

2. Irreplaceable Sentimental Heirloom Items List Go through your belongings and make a list of those irreplaceable items that you would be heart broken to lose. Put in Preparedness Manual. If you ever need to evacuate or get ready in a hurry, grab the list and you won't forget what you can never replace. You can take these items with you if you leave or protect them as best you can if you can't take them with you or you have to stay. If evacuation is a possibility, assemble the items ahead of time so they are ready to go.

3. Important Papers Folder Gather originals or copies of all your important papers such as insurance polices, name and phone numbers of insurance agent(s) and main offices of insurance carrier, credit card information, birth/marriage certificates, wills, mortgage information, Driver Licenses, Social Security cards, Medications with Name and Dosage (copy of prescription or label is best), immunization cards for children, family and friends out of area that you can depend upon in an emergency, copies of deeds, titles, contracts, and inventory list of belongings (a video record could be useful), spare keys to house, cars, safety deposit box, $25 minimum pre-paid calling card. Family photos/pictures of each family member. Put in a safe place. Water proof container/bag to place it all in. Make a note in your Manual where this folder is. You don't want to forget this if you have to leave in a hurry. Operation Hope has put together a very complete package at http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/eefak.pdf

4. First Aid Kit Designate some container to be your First Aid Kit. A shoe box, a similar sized container from a (Dollar Store), a large Tupperware container. Take out the First Aid Kit List in your Preparedness Manual. Now go through your house and find as many of these items as you can and put them in the container. I bet you have just found 40% of the items on the list. Cross off those items you no longer need. Next time you go shopping bring this list with you. Put your First Aid Kit in your Essential Equipment box/bag

5. Essential Equipment Procure a large container, this can be any large container you have in your house - a large 66 qt Rubbermaid or Sterilite container, a duffle bag, suitcase or even a large cardboard box. Get The Essentials List and go through your house placing as many items as you can in your Essential Equipment container.