Organizing for emergencies

Protecting your family and loved ones becomes especially important when you are faced with an emergency. During the heat wave in Napa, it's crucial that you keep adequate supplies in your home, car and office. How best to prepare?

Know what the weather conditions are going to be. This week I was working in the city for a client whose daughter was planning a surfing trip to Hawaii. As she started packing, I asked her what the weather was like in the area she was traveling to. I was surprised to hear her response of "Well, I think it will be hot in August." But how hot? How can you pack for a trip when you really have no idea what kind of weather to expect when you get there?

On my Google home page I have the weather report of Napa and San Francisco. When I'm in my car, I listen to the NPR segment on local news and weather. It may sound like I'm obsessed with the forecast, but I'm not. It's simply that we tend to forget we live in the country and some information about our surroundings would be an asset if we're faced with a serious situation. When it gets this sweltering hot, or in the spring when it can rain for weeks and weeks on end, it's your safest bet to know the weather conditions in order to prepare yourself for the day ahead.

I have a winter and summer car pack of supplies that correspond to the season. For my summer pack, I have a crate which contains a gallon of water, energy bars, sun block, a hat, flares and a Thomas Guide map booklet of Napa and Sonoma counties. In my winter pack, I have a crate which contains a gallon of water, energy bars, blankets, a sweater, gloves, shovel, tire chains, maps, flares, matches and candles. This may seem like a bit much, but coming from Canada, I've been stranded on a desolate road with my family. This was before cell phones were invented and it was terrifying. Thank God my parents were wise enough to ensure our safety by being prepared for such an emergency.

Part of my packing list is to keep other emergency items that you may not initially think of. These include certain cold medicines that I'm unable to buy in foreign countries, or an extra pair of socks when I'm backpacking through Utah. And when I'm hiking around Lake Hennessey at this time of year, I make sure to bring my first-aid pack for snakes. It sounds like common sense, but it's easy to forget the obvious. Never think that you are overreacting or being too prepared.

Be smart and plan for the unexpected. Organizing can save your life, especially when the climate changes. Be safe and have fun.

Lanna Nakone is the author of "Organizing for Your Brain Type" and "Every Child Has a Thinking Style." Her Web site is www.organizedworld.com. She can be reached by e-mail or by calling (707) 524-9896.