With hurricane Harvey having caused a huge disaster in Houston and other parts of the state of Texas, I think it's important to talk about what we should do during these times to prepare for them and to help others going through them.

For natural disasters it's usually necessary to already have a complete kit, or two, assembled before there's even word of one coming. Grocery stores are emptied as soon as people get the warning of disaster, so you won't be able to assemble one then unless you're using the meager remains that the store could have.

What do you need to assemble in your kit? Well, for starters get a 3-day supply of water -- a gallon for each person -- and a 3-day supply of easy-prepare foods. Then you'll want a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (a NOAA weather radio is the best, but not absolutely necessary as long as you get the news), and extra batteries. You'll definitely want a first-aid kit, maybe two, as well as about a 7-day supply of any of your medications. Also have medical items such as hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, syringes, cane, etc. Make sure to get copies of all your personal documents, such as birth certificates, deeds, insurance policies, etc., and you might want to put it in something waterproof. Have your cell phones with their chargers, extra cash, emergency contact information for your family, as well as sanitation and hygiene items for your family. You'll want extra clothing, baby supplies, pet supplies, extra sets of keys to the house and car, as well as tools/supplies for securing your home.

The great thing is that all of these can be put in any disaster kit, be it a tornado, earthquake or hurricane.

For a tornado though, you'll want to have a safe room to go to. Mobile homes aren't the best due to strong winds being able to knock them right over, so try for a basement or a safe room with little to no windows. As for a hurricane, evacuate as soon as you're advised to so make sure you have that radio! In the event of an earthquake make sure you're somewhere away from shelves, such as under a desk or table, so objects can't just drop on you. When it begins, drop to the ground and cover your head with your hands. If you need to move, crawl so as to keep your center of gravity lower to the ground to avoid falling. As for wildfires, the best thing anyone can do is to evacuate as soon as possible so that you don't become trapped. Make sure to drive carefully, keep your headlights on in the case of smoke, and keep an eye out for other fleeing families and animals.

Of course when these disasters occur, it can be a last minute warning, but it's definitely worth being prepared for and knowing what you need to do when they happen. I just hope that with having a kit ready that it will help you get through the difficult times that these disasters cause.

Everyone in Texas are in my thought and prayers! I hope everyone gets out safely and that we're able to help rebuild as soon as possible.