Floods, fires, high wind and other damaging events caused by inclement weather can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone.

Thinking and planning ahead can give you peace of mind.

One great way to plan ahead is to create an emergency preparedness kit, or as some call it, a go bag, which is a backpack, small suitcase or other type of container packed with essential items you might need in the event of an emergency, especially if you are evacuated from your home.

While it is true odds are in your favor that you may never have to evacuate your home or relocate on a temporary basis, when it does happen, your basic needs will be cared for if you have a go bag ready to”¦ go.

When you build your own go bag, remember that one size does not fit all. In other words, there is no perfect list for you or your family, just suggestions. You must base your own go bag contents on what you need.

What should your go bag include? Several essential items, such as:

• Bottles of water
• Non-perishable foods
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• First-aid kit
• Necessary medications
• Personal hygiene items
• Warm clothing
• Emergency cash
• Copies of important papers
• Any essential pet care items, such as food and leashes

Don’t forget other items that may not be considered if you are in a rush, such as cell phone chargers for your mobile phones, extra keys to your home

When you compile your food items, think protein“¦ such as in protein bars, nuts, beef jerky, just to list a few. When you visit your local grocery store you will be surprised how many options you have available to you.

Some people even include battery-operated radios, whistles, pocket knives and multi-tools, butane lighters, dust masks, maps, notebook and pen or pencil, extra eyeglasses and more.

When disaster strikes, don’t forget Regency DRT is just a call away, prepared  to help you restore or rebuild what you have lost.