Your preparedness guide for any emergency.(home front)

Last summer's widespread power outages in the Northeast and raging wildfires in the West, this spring's tornadoes in the Midwest, and the ongoing threat of terror attacks throughout the country are reminders of the need to take reasonable steps to prepare for the unexpected, even the unthinkable.

"The kinds of things we recommend yon do to respond to a natural disaster are basically the same things we encourage you to do to prepare for a terror attack," says Susan Neely, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security Namely, know the needed steps, practice with your family, create a communication plan, stock supplies, and be ready to act.

You can't rely solely on the government to protect you in a disaster. A recent government report found that planning for catastrophes is usually inadequate because it has been conducted without regional coordination.

Here's a concise guide to preparing for any emergency, plus specific advice from federal officials about potassium iodide, the one over-the-counter drug they say some families should have on hand in case of a nuclear leak or attack.

Investigate likely dangers. Ask your local American Red Cross chapter or county emergency-management office to mail you of refer you to information about the most likely disasters in your area. Ask specifically about the warning signals, evacuation routes, and emergency services in your community us well us where to seek shelter. You should also find out what the disaster plans at your family's jobs, schools, or day-care centers require you to do.

In addition, it's wise to create a family preparedness plan:

Stock up. Consider storing the following basic supplies in a "go-bag" for home use or evacuation: at least three days' worth of nonperishable food, water, and essential medicines; toiletries and clothing: iodine tablets or bleach to disinfect water if you can't boil it; candles and matches; flashlights of battery-powered lamps; battery-operated TV or radio: first-aid kit and book; extra eyeglasses, keys, cash, and batteries; and copies of important documents (such us birth certificates and passports). Consider keeping separate go-bags (excluding the documents) at work and in your car. You may also want to keep your car's tank at least hall full, since gas pumps may not work if there's no electric power.