Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

I've finally done it. I've made a disaster kit and created a communication plan for my family in case of an emergency. Until recently, every time I started to prepare for a disaster, I got so rattled just by the thought of one that I gave up. But as a pediatrician who has cared for children after tragedies and as a mom of two young sons, I should know better. So I faced my fears and forged ahead, and I'm here to help you do the same.

Less than half of us have prepared our family for a catastrophe, according to a 2010 study in Clinical Pediatrics. Since September is National Preparedness Month and marks the tenth anniversary of September 11 -- and with the recent disasters in Japan and the American Midwest and Southeast states still fresh in our mind -- it's time for all of us to take this task seriously. "Although disasters are rare, prepping for them is one of those crucial 'just in case' precautions, like having smoke detectors," explains Parents advisor Irwin Redlener, M.D., director of the Center for National Preparedness at Columbia University. Planning for a catastrophe also makes you ready for a less severe event like a fire or a local power outage.

So don't freak out. You can do this. As you start this journey, expect that it's going to cost you some cash. I spent roughly $350 getting my home and family prepared. (Ouch, I know. Consider saving up for a few months.) I also devoted about 15 hours to this project; try taking a day off to make some real progress. You might make your kit with a friend -- I did, and we encouraged each other along the way.

Trust me: You'll always be glad you took the time to improve your family's safety. You'll feel more secure and better able to function in any unexpected event.