If you need to hunker down at home for a while in a weather emergency — possibly without electricity, running water and telephones — you'll need supplies to help you stay safe, healthy and as comfortable as possible.

The Department of Homeland Security (www.ready.gov), the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), the Ohio State University Extension and other organizations recommend you keep a three-day supply of essentials in your home at all times, including:

• A first-aid kit with an assortment of adhesive bandages, gauze and tape. You'll need germicidal wipes or a waterless hand sanitizer, medical- grade gloves and antibacterial ointment.
• Stock pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine and antacid. Also be sure to have a three-day supply of all needed prescription drugs on hand.
• Sanitation supplies including toilet paper, towelettes, soap and liquid detergent, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach. A supply of trash bags comes in handy for sanitation needs.
• Clothing to ensure you'll be prepared to go outside if necessary. Everybody in the family should have sturdy shoes or work boots and rain gear. Thermal underwear, hats, gloves and sunglasses should be available. And in case you must evacuate quickly, it helps to have a large, sturdy duffle bag or two into which you can pile emergency supplies.
• A supply of water, one gallon per person per day, as well as a supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and nonelectric can opener. Change the stored water supply and rotate stored food every six months.
• An extra pair of glasses
• Special items for babies and elderly or disabled family members.
• A list of physicians and their phone numbers.

"The most important thing is to have a battery powered transistor radio and be tuned to emergency information while you're taking shelter and base your actions on the information you receive," said Jeff Jordan, director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management.

Store the kit in an air-tight, easy-to-carry container and in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version in the trunk of your vehicle.

Rethink the kit and your family's needs once a year. Replace batteries and update clothing for children.

The American Red Cross also sells a pre-made emergency kit. Kroger has teamed up with the Red Cross to create a list of supplies, which can be found online at www.cincinnatiredcross.org .