A Fully Charged Cell Phone. Preprogram the telephone with emergency contact telephone numbers. Include the telephone number of a friend or relative living outside of the emergency area. (A caller is more likely to connect with a long-distance number outside the emergency area than with a local number within it.)

An ID Card. This should include the your name, date of birth, blood type, date of last Tetanus shot, a list of allergies, and chronic and past illnesses. This should also include Health Insurance Information. Laminate in plastic to prevent tears or water damage. Keep this ID card in your wallet directly behind your driver's license.

A small Flashlight or Penlight. If there is a power outage, the penlight will help to guide you to safety. Make sure to check batteries monthly.

A Whistle. If you are trapped in a dark location, you can blow the whistle so someone can locate you.

A Handkerchief. If there are dangerous gases or dust in the air, you can use it to cover your mouth and nose.

Small bottled water and snack. If you get trapped inside in a building, you will have a snack handy.

Holtzman further recommends that whenever you visit any public place:

Locate all possible exits. Make sure the exits are not blocked, the doors are unlocked and they are all well lit. (People have been known to bypass several fire exits in an emergency and head right for the door they entered because they didn't take the time to plan their escape route.)

Locate security.

Locate first aid station.

Be aware of your surroundings. Promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, objects and packages, to security.

Be aware where your children are at all times (always).

Look above and look below. Check to see that you are not standing under a light fixture or any other item that may topple down (or shatter- glass fixtures and store window shatter) on you. Be aware of the surfaces you are walking and/or standing on to avoid slips and falls.