When disaster strikes, strike back.

Preparing yourself for a natural disaster is not as difficult as it may seem.

Rich Gallati, operations manager for the DeKalb chapter of the American Red Cross, said there are three actions to take to be prepared for an emergency.

“What we’d recommend is to first get a first-aid kit and some first-aid training,” Gallati said. “Second, make an evacuation plan from where you are working or living, and the third step is to be informed.”

The American Red Cross offers numerous items for emergency preparedness.

These items include, but are not limited to: flashlights, AM/FM radio, emergency blankets and particle masks, as well as adult and youth comfort kits that include hygiene items. The youth comfort kit has crayons and a coloring book, as well as hygiene items.

“The Illinois Department of Health does not do anything different from season to season,” said Melaney Arnold, with the Department of Health.