A disaster can happen any time to anyone and the better prepared you are, the better your odds of surviving it.

The news has been filled with stories of tornadoes, earthquakes and floods, all of which have caused enormous destruction and, in some cases, loss of life.

It has caused many people to think about survival kits and plans.

Making a plan

What should you plan for and what should your survival kit contain?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security encourages people to consult websites such as

.

In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary to survive on your own.

With that reality in mind, the site has a helpful checklist of items to keep on hand, including:

• Water.

• Nonperishable food.

• Radio, flashlight and batteries.

• First aid kit.

• Whistle.

• Dust masks.

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape.

• Cell phone and charger or inverter.

Stay powered

Another key consideration — preparing for a loss of electricity.

A home-based survival kit proves its value in an emergency.

That’s also when a residential standby generator can make all the difference, enabling you to stay in your home in comfort and safety.

Unlike portable units, a home standby generator is hardwired into your home’s electrical system.

Teamed with an automatic transfer switch, the residential generator automatically kicks in when it senses a loss of utility power, and it automatically shuts down when utility power is restored.

There are several factors to consider in determining the right generator for your home, including square footage, wattage of critical appliances and fuel preference — natural gas or propane.

Professionals can help you select the right generator for your needs. Once you decide on a model, let a professional electrical contractor handle the installation. It’s not a do-it-yourself job