No family ever wants to have to worry about an emergency but if something happened would you be prepared? There are lots of items that you should have handy in an emergency kit so here is a checklist to help your family be prepared.

* Have an emergency plan with all the information about you and your family so someone can help you if you are injured. It should include the names of all your family members, medications they are on, dates of birth and allergies or other important health information. Make sure to list your emergency contacts with address and phone numbers included. List your emergency meeting location, trusted adults, and doctor and insurance information.

* Personal identification for each family member like a drivers license, school i.d. card or passport

* $25-50 in cash

* Copies of health records including allergies, prescriptions and proof of insurance

* First Aid Kit

* 1-3 gallons of water per person

* 3-5 day supply of nonperishable food- make sure to include a can opener for cans

* Flashlight and extra batteries

* Hygiene items like soap, shampoo, tooth brush and tooth paste

* Pet supplies if you have animals

* Spare keys for your house and car

* Comfort items for children like teddy bears, blankets or small toys. It is also a good idea to have crayons and coloring books to keep them occupied

* Change of clothes for each family member including rain gear and comfortable shoes

* Trash Bags

* Sunscreen, bug spray and umbrella for shade

All of these items will come in handy for you and your family if you are ever faced with an emergency. Take time with your children to help them understand what an emergency is and how to stay together and calm. Have fun teaching your children their names, address and phone number so they will remember the information if they are not with you and share it with trusted adults.