Hurricanes, floods, massive ice storms and other disasters can affect large areas and keep emergency personnel away from their families for extended periods. If you are looking for a New Year's resolution, consider taking steps to provide for the well-being of your family when you can't be there.

One way is to stock some basic emergency supplies to help them get through the first few days of any disaster. The American Red Cross offers these suggestions:

Water. One gallon per person per day for drinking, hand washing and food preparation. Plastic bottles are lighter and safer than glass. A case of 24 half-liter bottles would be sufficient for one person for three days.

Food. Pre-packaged food that doesn't need cold to preserve or heat to prepare is best. Canned fruits and juices, energy bars, crackers and other items are easily stored and transported. Add a manual can opener and disposable cups, plates and utensils as required.

First aid kit. A basic kit should have enough materials to handle moderate bleeding and prevent infections. Add items as required based on the perceived need and the skills of the people who have to use them.

Medications. People with special medical problems may need appropriate medications. Consult your doctor or health-care provider for advice on storage.

Flashlights and extra batteries. Flashlights are safer than candles and will help your family find things and provide a sense of security if the electrical power fails. Keep the batteries sealed in their original package and replace them every few years.

Protective clothing. Match the clothing to the expected disaster: rain gear in wet weather, extra jackets and caps in cold weather, and heavy shoes and gloves for picking through debris after hurricanes and tornadoes.

Plastic bags. Heavy-duty trash bags can be used to carry recovered items from damaged buildings, protect clothing and gear while evacuating, or store garbage and waste until other disposal is available.

Travel items. When evacuation is the only safe way to protect your family, make sure they have a predetermined destination, maps of the route, travelers checks or cash, change for telephones, and a list of important telephone numbers. Designate someone outside the immediate area as a contact with whom everyone can leave messages for each other.

Pets. Take all of the above considerations and apply them to family pets as required.

Most of these items should be stored in a safe location at home. Some also should be carried in each of your personal vehicles at all times. Snap-top plastic storage boxes can keep everything together and are easy to load in case of evacuation.

The list above is only a small part of the suggestions offered by the American Red Cross. To view the entire list, go to www.redcross.org/general/0,1082,0_91_4440,00.html.