According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, you should:

1. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days. This means having enough water, food and medication to survive for three days, as well as a battery powered radio, Flashlight with extra batteries and a good first aid kit. Also consider having a "go kit" for your car.

2. Have a plan for what you and your family members will do when an emergency strikes, including when and where to evacuate, when to stay put, and how to stay in touch.  Make sure you have a least a 1/2 tank of gas in car at all times.

3. Stay informed and know where to get information on what actions you should take.

A preparedness kit should include:

Three day supply of non-perishable food.
Three day supply of water....one gallon of water per person, per day minimum.
Portable, battery powered radio or tv and extra batteries.
Flashlight w/ batteries
First aid kit with manual.
sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)
Matches and waterproof container.
Whistle
Extra clothing
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including manual can opener.
Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
Cash and coins
Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid batteries.
Items for infants, formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers.
Other items to meet your families unique needs.
Emergency numbers.
Info on your utilities, know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves.

Websites and numbers for more information:

STATE:
Be Ready. Make a plan www.makeaplan.org
Ready Virginia 1-804-897-6510 www.ready.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Emergency Management 804-897-6500 www.vaemergency.com
VDOT 703-383-8368 www.virginiadot.org
Virginia State Police 703-323-4500. www.vsp.state.va.us
Virginia Dept. of Health and EMS 804-864-7600 www.vahealth.org

FEDERAL:
Centers for Disease Control 1-800-311-3435 www.cdc.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency 1-800-621-3362 www.fema.gov
Department of Homeland Security 202-282-8000 www.dhs.gov and www.ready.gov