A popular saying in Wisconsin is that if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change.

But sometimes Wisconsin weather only allows a few minutes to seek safety. "Most people think they won't be impacted by a natural disaster," said Lori Getter, crisis communications manager for Wisconsin Emergency Management. However, Wisconsin averages 21 tornados each year, and also 20 severe blizzards. Additionally, each county in the state has experienced at least one major flood event in the past 20 years.

"Chances are, in that time, you'll be impacted in some way," Getter continued. "You never know."

Getter recommends each family or individual prepare an emergency kit in the event of the need to evacuate or take shelter where they are.

"Every person needs to be able to take care of themselves," she explained. "First responders will be there, but if it's a large emergency they won't be able to everyone right away. If you have plans in place, you can take care of your family."

Such planning is not unusual here, she noted. Many residents in northern Wisconsin keep candles in their homes and generators ready in the event that the power goes out during an ice storm. An emergency kit is just an extension of this type of common-sense precaution.

Emergency kits should include at least a three-day supply of food and water, cash, flashlight with batteries, first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, a dust mask, plastic bags with toilet paper and moist towelettes for sanitation, blankets or a sleeping bag, a wrench to turn off utilities, maps, extra medications and food for pets or service animals, extra personal medications and prescriptions, copies of important documents such as medical, family and insurance records in a waterproof pouch, and extra eyeglasses or hearing aids.

If an evacuation is imminent and no emergency kit has been prepared, Getter urges people to remember to bring the four "Ps" - pets, prescriptions, pocketbook and papers (important documents).

"If you ask people who have been asked to evacuate their homes, they'll tell you there are things they wish they'd brought, things they'd have done differently," she said.

In addition to what they will take, Getter said families should determine now where they will go and who they will contact in case of an emergency. Families with special needs should consider how best to meet those needs outside of the home and away from the normal care routine. Many emergency shelters will not accept pets, so identifying a pet shelter in advance, whether a kennel or a friend, is recommended.

Getter noted that the "Ready Wisconsin" campaign is part of a national effort to raise awareness of the benefits of preparing for emergencies. Both the 2001 terror attacks and Hurricane Katrina occurred in late summer, lending a seasonal reminder of the importance of emergency preparation.

"We all need to be prepared for the unexpected," Getter said. "We all need to be ready."

For further information, contact Wisconsin Emergency Management at 608-242-3239.