Do You Have a Severe Weather Emergency Plan?

Sure, we all have ID and most of us keep it in a wallet that's tucked away in a purse or placed on our dresser, but it isn't a bad idea to keep copies of all your forms of ID in a waterproof bag in a safe. This also includes information such as your bank account number (s) and any insurance information, from health cards to renters or homeowners coverage information.

We live in a debit/credit world but when you're in a bind and need something quickly cash can be used to buy things that can't be bought by credit. Inc. recommends,

"Have at least $250 in your go bag, and make sure it's in relatively small bills. Keep it with your ID in your waterproof pouch (or ziplock)."

To be safe, you want to make sure that you've got at least one gallon of clean water per person per day on hand. Not only is it a good idea to stock up on water but you should also have something like a LifeStraw on hand to help purify dirty water in case you run out of bottled water.

This one pretty much explains itself. You should always have supplies on hand in case you get hurt and need a quick patch until you can see a doctor.

If you need to know what's going on but have been cut off from the outside world and have no power, a battery-powered radio will be exactly what you need to keep you informed. Additionally, make sure that you have a stash of extra batteries on hand.

Flashlights are a must. If the power goes out you need to be able to see and these lanterns cost an incredible amount of brightness.

Water will only sustain you for so long. Keeping a stash of canned foods on handy is a good idea. Also, make sure to keep a crank can opener next to your stash. If you type 'Emergency Food Rations' into Amazon, you'll find a list of foods that you can purchase that have expiration dates far into the future so that you don't have to worry about continually replenishing them.

Pack extra clothes in a waterproof bag and throw them into a duffel bag. You'll need socks and underclothes as well as ponchos. In this bag, also pack some extra blankets and bug spray.

If a disaster strikes, you might not have power and without power, you won't have a way to charge your phone and reach the outside world. Solar-powered battery chargers are an invaluable thing to have on hand. These battery packs recharge by sunlight so there's no need to have a power source. This particular battery pack also doubles as a flashlight.

God forbid the worst-case scenario happens and you find yourself trapped in the rubble. You'll want to be able to signal first responders of your whereabouts and so emergency whistles should be packed in your disaster grab bag.