During National Disaster Preparedness Month it is important to start the conversation and protect the people we love by taking the proper steps to get ready and stay safe. Valerie Belusko, Community and Economic Development Educator with the University of Illinois Extension, says the topic popped up when a conversation with her husband, an agriculture teacher, revealed many students did not know proper fire extinguisher usage or that there was not even an extinguisher in their house at all.

Staying prepared for a disaster is a proactive process that equips families with the necessary items that will keep them alive. Belusko says it all starts with making a plan. Labeling an emergency contact in your phone with ICE (in case of emergency) will help others help you in times of need.

In times of high stress, important items like medication and phone chargers are forgotten, says Belusko.

Disaster preparedness extends to your vehicle as well. Items to have in your car when severe weather is on the way include phone cables for both Apple and Android, blankets, reflectors, and even sand or kitty litter for traction in the snow.

Belusko directs citizens to Ready.gov for detailed descriptions of disaster preparedness for many scenarios.

Valerie Belusko appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.