It's important to be prepared for emergengies

It doesn't matter if you're young or old, single or part of a large family. Everyone should have an emergency plan. Have a list of phone numbers and emergency contacts, copies of prescriptions, and other important information. Here's a checklist to follow

You should have enough food, water, and other supplies put away in your home so you can be OK for three to seven days. That includes at least one gallon of water per day, food you can eat without cooking, medicines, a first aid kit, and some cash, preferably in one-dollar bills. Here's a rundown on what else you should put away for emergencies.

Every city, county, and state has different systems for emergency alerts and warnings. Your cell phone can receive wireless emergency alerts or WEA messages. A NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio will not only give you the current weather forecast but also severe weather alerts and warnings. Some places have alerts that you can sign up for. And many cities and towns have outdoor warning sirens. It's important to know what those systems are where you live, when they send alerts, what those alerts mean, and what you need to do.

There are many ways you can be better prepared for emergencies. Here are just a few:

• Take a first aid class
• Take a CPR/AED class
• Take a Stop the Bleed Class
• Sign up to take Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
• If available, sign up for your Citizens Police Academy training
• If available, sign up for your Citizens Fire Academy training
• Get your Amateur Radio Operator's license and participate in local groups
• Volunteer with the local American Red Cross chapter
• Volunteer with your local emergency management agency

Older residents need to make sure that all of their needs can be met during emergencies, such as power outages, extreme heat and cold events and severe rain and wind events. Here's how to get started.