Every now and then I take a break from discussing real estate to focus on some of the other important facets of living in Orange County. While we are blessed with many things – great weather, wonderful events and great communities – we live in an area at risk for earthquakes, brush fires and other natural disasters. And with the recent surge of major earthquakes across the world, there is no better time to become prepared for the next disaster than now.

The Orange County Red Cross recommends every home should have plans in place on how to deal with the various disasters that can strike. According to the Red Cross, part of a disaster plan is to have two emergency kits: one for the home and one for the car. The home kit should be stored in an easily accessible location and placed into a mobile, watertight container such as a wheeled trash barrel. The car kit should be in an easily carried pack, such as a backpack, and each kit should have an identification tag for each person.

The Red Cross suggests the following items for both the home and car kits:

- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if necessary.
- Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

To view the complete list and learn more about how to prepare for any potential disaster, visit the Red Cross Web site at www.oc-redcross.org.

Other disaster planning tips include registering for Alert OC, the mass notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies. Also, contact your city and ask about the Community Emergency Response Team program (CERT) and how you can participate.