While it is unlikely that central Minnesota will be hit by an earthquake or tsunami, there are a number of possible situations that could strike in disaster proportions. Tornado, flood, wind damage, blizzard and severe thunderstorms can affect large numbers of our residents and cause relatively long-term delays in essential services.

The essential question you should ask yourself is this: How well can you and your family survive without outside help for several hours, days, or even weeks? In a worse-case scenario, would you have essential food and water for all members of your family for up to two weeks? What about medications? Would you be able to locate your insurance papers and other important documents without electricity, and possibly underwater?

Here are some suggestions that experts have made for preparing supplies to be used in the event of a disaster. There is no substitute for being prepared, and now is the time to start.

WATER GUIDELINES (at American Red Cross)

FOOD (at American Red Cross)

2-WEEK SUPPLIES LIST (from EmergencyKitchen.com)

MEDICATIONS (at FEMA.gov)

DOCUMENTS AND KEYS (at FEMA.gov)

FIRST AID KIT (at American Red Cross)     (from FEMA.gov)

DISASTER KIT SUGGESTIONS (at American Red Cross)    (from Ready.gov)

CLOTHING AND BEDDING (at American Red Cross)

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES (at American Red Cross)