Hurricane Irene caused 1 million people to be without power for days. A disaster can strike at any time, whether an accidental house fire or a natural disaster.

Be prepared to handle each of these situations?

The best thing you can do to prepare for any disaster, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA), is to have a stockpile stored in an easily accessible place that should remain dry. Use storage containers with lids and label accordingly. A disaster may leave you without electricity, clean water and other necessities for days or longer. The APHA recommends checking your stockpile twice each year when you reset your clocks for daylight savings.

Stockpiles should include:

 Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day)

 Emergency supplies such as flashlight, batteries, radio, matches, utility knife, cash, garbage bags, whistle, fire extinguisher, extra keys and IDs, local maps, etc.

 First aid kit with common over-the-counter remedies, supplies such as gauze and bandages, and necessary prescription drugs

 Food, water and supplies for your pet, if necessary

 Personal items, such as glasses or contact lens supplies, diapers and baby supplies, sleeping bag or blanket for each person, change of clothes for each person, jacket and cold weather items for each person if applicable, moist towelettes and other personal hygiene items

Also, keep important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policies, passports, Social Security cards, banking information, prescription information, etc., together in a safe place for fast access.