o Kathleen McHugh, who lives in Florida near the Gulf of Mexico, writes from personal experience. She suggests taking a portable TV with you if forced to evacuate. Hers is battery powered and has a 3 1/2 by 4 inch picture. She paid around $20 for it at Walgreen's. Various models can be found at similar stores.

o Kathleen also recommends an inexpensive grill or hibachi that uses charcoal. It will come in handy when electricity fails. (Obviously not to be used indoors!)

o In the food department, she points out that powdered milk is essential, especially for families with children.

o And she keeps on hand a large supply of paper plates, cups and plastic knives, forks and spoons.

o Charles Thome of Iowa, along with Kathleen, points out that if your garage door will open when electric power is cut, it's preferable to put your car inside as protection against falling trees and flying debris.

o Nickey Polski of California recommends putting an up-to-date copy of your Household Inventory in your disaster kit. This could be in written form, on a disk or a video. Nickey explains that without it, getting the amount of insurance coverage you're entitled to for lost or damaged items is difficult.

o Tom Gates of New York says he wouldn't go anywhere including Europe, without a roll of duct tape. You can use it to repair luggage; hold up hems, cover holes in boots and shoes, mend luggage and tote handles. It also creates handles for packages, holds wheels onto a suitcase, repairs broken eye glasses, and can even plug a small hole in your canoe or boat.

Tom also puts zip lock baggies in his disaster kit. He uses them for keeping food fresh and storing restaurant leftovers as well as to hold small toys, notebooks and pencils for his children. Baggies are also great for wet swim suits and damp shoes.

STAY TUNED...Next week we'll talk about how to take the perfect household inventory!

- Nancy Dunnan