After last Friday, this is a timely reminder. 800 tornadoes are reported each year. A tornado’s path can be more than 50 miles long and 600 feet wide.

We can’t prevent disasters, but we can try to be prepared to deal with them.

1. Develop a family communication plan so that you know that everyone’s all right. (Remember that cell phones are often jammed with users after a disaster, so have an alternate communication plan available.)
2. Have a meeting place designated.
3. Have an emergency supply kit to get you through 3 days if necessary. Include items such as
   • battery-operated radios
   • fresh water
   • food that doesn’t need cooking or refrigerating
   • flashlights
   • can opener
   • money

Finally, when a disaster strikes and you have been spared, please keep in mind those who were not. Give to the Red Cross or other relief agencies. And whatever you do, don’t go sightseeing in disaster areas!