Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

We're talking this week on Healthwatch about preparing your family for disaster. Previously, we listed the supplies you should keep in your car so you'll be prepared if disaster strikes. There are other supplies you should gather if there's warning of disaster.

Patrick Tiner, a disaster-response expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says you should prepare your family with weather-appropriate clothing, pillows, bottled water and food that doesn't require refrigeration or cooking. If you have canned goods in your disaster supplies, be sure you've got a non-electric can opener. Check expiration dates regularly if you keep nonperishable food or water on hand for a longer period of time.

You should also have any medication or medical supplies you might need gathered so you can get to them if you need to escape quickly.

###

^{September 2005}

Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.