Cathy Lange is president of Business Works, Inc. in the Metro-D.C. area. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C. and on New York City made her aware of how unprepared she and her family were for a disaster. As a result, Cathy researched through the Red Cross and other resources and made sure that the next time something happens, she and her family would be as prepared as they can be.

"My approach to emergency preparedness is to achieve some peace of mind---that is to do everything I possibly can, under my control, so that if and when something happens I will be ready. I have a 13 year old, a husband, a dog and a cat...all of whom I love dearly and want to protect in any way I can. Here is what I have done.

• I poured over the lists and information to glean the most important things to do.
• I took all of our documents, copied them and sent them to a relative in Arkansas, and I created a family plan document that has all email addresses, account nos., doctors etc., and have sent it to my sister and have as a copy in my go bag. My next step is to get a scanner and scan it all and put it on disc.
• I have a closet set up with the essentials--all the foods and utilities that are suggested. The hardest part is keeping track of what food needs to be rotated (like Peanut butter, etc.). While many foods have good shelf life, unless it is really specialized, it is not more than a year or two. (I have a list in the closet and a date on my calendar to look at—I use the September 11th date as an annual check up.)
• We always have extra gallons of water. We order water so we keep extras and just rotate them so they arealways fresh. I also keep a small stash in the closet.
• I have emergency packs in my car, and my husband’s car. For Christmas, I gave my eldest step-daughter (who sometimes works at the Pentagon) and her husband (who works at the Navy Yard) Red Cross emergency kits to put in their cars.
• Our hardest part was agreeing on how and where to meet--largely because we don't know what the circumstance will be, or will we be separate or together, so we have a variety of scenarios that we have discussed.
• I have a go-bag of clothes, which I keep updated with seasonal items that fit.
• We bought a mega generator for our house that would help us under certain circumstances.
• I put a list of phone numbers in my daughter’s back pack so she knows who to call if she can’t reach me (also out of the area contacts). My greatest concern is for her and to find a way to protect her and give her what she needs.

Cathy is an example of a woman who has empowered herself and her family to deal with a crisis. Use her story as an example of how to prepare your family for a disaster. One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is the knowledge of what to do in a crisis! Give that gift today.

For more information about the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area's services, contact Kathy Thompson, director of communications and media relations at 703-584-8412 or ThompsonK@redcrossnca.org or contact Kim Covington at 703-584-8455 or CovingtonK@redcrossnca.org.