Are you and your family ready in case of an emergency?

Recent natural disasters like the earthquakes in Mexico and hurricanes in the U.S. serve as a reminder to ask yourself if you and your family are prepared in case of an emergency.

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to create a disaster supply kit at home. If you already have one, restock it and make sure the items have not expired or are in working condition.

Good Morning El Paso reporter Denise Olivas was put to the test this week after Sara Saucedo with the Department of Public Health for the City of El Paso stopped by her home to build a kit.

“It may be unfortunate that these events are happening elsewhere, but it’s also a good time to celebrate Preparedness Month by taking the time to ensure that your emergency kit is ready, stocked, and ready to go,” Saucedo said.

For starters, Denise did not have a kit set aside in a designated location.

“You want to discuss with your family that one place where everyone can get to and find your kit,” Saucedo said.

To create a supply kit, you can use a bin, a bag or backpack to store all your emergency items. Saucedo said you can follow the list of items provided by Texas Prepares, a website set up by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Click here to see the list.

Denise had most of the items on the list, but not located in one central place which is crucial in the event of an emergency and you have to evacuate immediately.

Some of the essentials include a three-day supply of canned food, water, first aid, medications and important documents. If you have pets, include them in your evacuation plan and have food ready for them.

Another important tip, update your kit periodically. Saucedo said a good time to check that the items are not expired is during Daylight Savings.

“Twice a year. When you change your clocks, check you kit,” Saucedo said.

Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to build your kit all at once, you can gradually add to it.

While El Paso does not see hurricanes, Saucedo said the community should be prepared for power outages, extreme heat or cold or the spread of disease.

During the ‘freeze of 2011’ when the city saw below freezing temperatures that caused outages, many people were calling plumbing companies to shut off their water and paid hundreds of dollars, according to Saucedo.

Learning how to shut off your water with pliers is also something important to know.

Saucedo said the city works with various agencies to have its own plans in place in case of an emergency, but it all comes down to how prepared the community is if disaster strikes.