With recent disease outbreaks and severe weather all across the country, there's no time like the present to prepare for an unpredictable emergency.

The El Paso County Health Department reminds all of us that we need to stock up on supplies ahead of time because when disaster strikes, you may not have electricity, water, and possibly even groceries. Health experts have two easy steps to get prepared: 1) Pack an emergency/disaster kit and 2) make a plan.

Here's an example of what your disaster supply kit might contain (all non-perishable items): essential food, water and supplies for at least three days (three gallons of water per person per day); manual can opener; matches; camping stove; medical supplies/prescription medication; first aid kit; hand-crank flash-light; car charger for basic communications, small radio with extra batteries; extra clothing for warmth; emergency contact numbers; anything your pet might need.

Health officials say these kits should be kept in designated, ready to 'grab and go' locations, just in case you have to leave your home or vehicle quickly because of an emergency.

It's also important for your family to have a plan in case of an emergency. How will you contact each other? Where will you meet if you can't make it home? Is there an out-of-town relative your immediate family can contact so that one person knows where each family member is and how they are doing? These are just a few questions you should ask when developing a disaster plan for your family.

The more prepared your family is during an emergency, the better your chances of finding each other and remaining safe.

For more information on preparing an emergency plan or a disaster supply kit, you can also visit the health department's website by clicking on the link below.