'Set your clocks, check your stocks'

The time change on Sunday, Nov. 1, ("fall back") is a good moment to remind ourselves to perform the task of checking our emergency preparedness kits twice a year. Remember the saying: "Set your clocks, check your stocks."

The American Public Health Association recommends that all Americans have at least a three-day supply of food and water stored in their homes, with at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Your stockpile should also contain flashlights, a manual can opener, a radio, batteries and copies of important documents. When considering what else to include in your supply kit, take time to consider your family's special needs, and don't forget the needs of your family pet(s).

And while you're at it, now is a good time to review your family's plan in the event of a natural disaster, such as a tornado. Making a plan for what you and your family will do when severe weather strikes is an important step in being prepared.

Emergencies such as tornadoes, floods, storms, earthquakes or even disease outbreaks can happen unexpectedly. You may be without electricity, refrigeration, clean tap water or phone service for days or weeks.

In some cases, such as during a disease outbreak, you may be asked to stay home to keep safe. That is why having an emergency preparedness stockpile is so important.

And don't forget to check the batteries in your smoke detectors as well when you change your clocks.

You can find information about hazards in the area by visiting the Kane County Health Department's website at kanehealth.com, the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org, or National Weather Service weather forecast office website. Knowing and understanding this information ahead of time will help you prepare by understanding what types of disasters could occur and how best to respond and protect yourself.