We’ve had some powerful rain and wind storms lately which have left a significant number of people without power or with flooding. The building excitement of local TV meteorologists is a good signal to dust off your emergency preparedness kit.

Don’t have a kit? Well, the first step to pulling one together is to get a canvas bag or large backpack that can be grabbed quickly if evacuation is required. It is a good thing to have so you know that everything you need is in one place.

This bag should contain a list of medications, including a three-day supply; an extra pair of eyeglasses if possible and the glasses prescription; a list of allergies, medical conditions; contact information; a first-aid kit; a copy of identification such as a license; and sample sizes of personal care items and hand sanitizer.

You also may need extra hearing aid and wheelchair batteries, oxygen and a list of the model and serial numbers of any medical devices such as pacemakers.

In addition, put into your kit some cash, nutritious nonperishable foods, a manual can opener, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, an extra set of keys and a silver emergency blanket that is available in stores for about $2.

Make sure your phone will work if the power is off. If you have a cordless phone that has a power pack, unplug it from the outlet. If you do not get a dial tone, think about getting an “old-fashioned” phone that just plugs into the phone jack as a backup.

If you have a pet, keep plenty of food and treats in the kit, and make emergency arrangements in advance in case your furry loved one is unable to accompany you to a shelter. Check with your veterinarian’s office or local animal shelter to see whether temporary accommodations are available.

Once your kit is in place, the Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors, available at redcross.org, suggests some other helpful tips:

. Arrange to have someone check on you.

. Plan escape routes from different areas of your home and then practice them often, especially with grandchildren.

. Devise a way to signal for help if necessary, then alert your neighbors to your plan.

. Have contact numbers by the phone or programmed into a cell phone. Also program ICE, which stands for In Case of Emergency, into your cell phone address book along with your emergency contact number. Many emergency personnel have been trained to scroll through cell phone address books in search of ICE.

. Have a contact out of the area or state. Sometimes it is easier to call away than locally.

. Plan ahead for disasters with any home health agencies that visit you regularly.

Ask yourself these questions:

. Are my phone numbers up to date?

. Have I talked to my neighbors and family about what might happen in a blizzard, fire, flood, etc.?

. How would I find out about any disaster?

. How would I contact family members?

. What would I need if I couldn’t get out for a few days?

. What will I do with my pet? Most shelters will not accept pets.

. Is there a family member who requires special accommodations?

. What are the most important things I need to take with me if I have to leave home?

While it is next to impossible to be prepared for every situation, with a little forethought and effort you can be ready for most emergencies. For more information on disaster preparedness, call Eastern Agency on Aging. We’ll be happy to send you a small packet of information.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.