by Ann Herron

GUEST COLUMNIST

We can always count on death and taxes, and in Utah we can be sure of an eventual earthquake. Why talk about earthquakes now? Because maybe these recent winter storms are a wake-up call for us to think about our emergency preparations.

Experts agree that less than 30 percent of the population is prepared for any type of emergency, let alone a major disaster.

One time in my life, I was driving through Chicago when a haz mat truck overturned on the interstate ahead of me. I was stopped on the road for four hours in the summer heat. Thanks to my trunk-preparedness, I had a nice snack, a good drink and even an old book to read. I was fine, but a lot of people around me were very hot, hungry and bored.

What if you were stuck on an interstate highway for several hours? What if you had the kids with you? What if the construction project down the street severed the gas line to your neighborhood?

Preparedness means simple stuff like having phone numbers written down. Or keeping at least half a tank of gas in the car, wearing a coat when you leave the house in winter, and knowing who your favorite towing company is. Just do something small that will help you just feel more confident about common problems that could arise. Here are some suggestions:

* Keep water in your car. You can live for up to three weeks without food, but sometimes only a matter of hours without water. Buy a case on sale and stick it in the trunk -- it could also add traction weight during snowstorms.

* Put a pair of walking shoes and socks in your car. If you are coming home in your work pumps and slip off the road, a good pair of shoes is invaluable. Put slippers or shoes under your bed so they are readily available in the event of an emergency.

* Have a family plan. In an emergency, who would pick the kids up from school? Do you have a family meeting place in your neighborhood? Does everyone know the phone number of a local relative?

These three small items will give you peace of mind, and might put you in a position to one day help someone else.

Ann Herron is a journalist and former associate professor at Utah State University who lives in Tooele. She can be reached at annherron@comcast.net.