The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it strikes, and now is the perfect time to take precautionary steps so you will be prepared for severe winter weather.

Take stock and make sure you have the following supplies:

• battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  
• food that can be eaten without cooking
  
• bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
  
• candles and matches

In addition, make sure your heat source is in proper working order through professional inspection and servicing.

It's a good idea to get your car ready, too. Make sure you have antifreeze, a snow scraper, a flashlight, tow chains, and a bag of salt in the car. Don't let the gas tank get too empty. If you live in a rural area, keep a flare gun and distress flag in the car. Store some extra food and water in the car, in case you are stranded during a storm.

Resource note: Free materials are available from the American Public Health Association (www.getreadyforflu.org) to help Americans prepare themselves, their families, and their communities for public health hazards including disasters, pandemic flu, and emerging infectious diseases. Fact sheets are available online to help you prepare.