Hurricane Isaac is a recent reminder that extreme weather can be dangerous. Most of Mother Nature's powers can be anticipated, such as a hurricane or a snowstorm here in Maine. However, often we have little or no time to prepare once – or even if – we receive a warning.

Fortunately Hurricane Isaac left very little damage in its wake compared to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast seven years ago. It was Hurricane Katrina and the unimaginable terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 that led to a law I co-authored to strengthen our nation's capacity to respond to natural disasters as well as terrorist attacks.

The government has established protocols that will help our country through natural disasters, disease pandemics, catastrophic accidents or vicious acts of terrorism. And your household should have them too. We need all Americans to learn how best to respond to an emergency, whatever form it may take.

That's why this September is National Preparedness Month.

The goal is to remind Americans of the importance of being prepared, staying informed, having an emergency plan and doing basic due diligence when it comes to family and personal safety.

As the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I have been a strong advocate for emergency preparedness. Again this year, I am serving as an Honorary Congressional Co-Chair of National Preparedness Month. I am joined in this effort by Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman.

National Preparedness Month allows us to evaluate our personal emergency response plans. The power of prudent planning cannot be underestimated. We all know that things can and will change in an instant if there is a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. And we know that we have to be prepared for such challenges whenever they occur.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has developed a plan to help you prepare. First, FEMA suggests that you be informed so you and your loved ones know what to do before, during and after an emergency. Second, make a plan to prepare and stay informed. Last, you should build a kit to help keep your family safe should you lose electricity. It should include at least a gallon of water per person for at least three days, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio to stay informed, a flashlight and extra batteries, and a first aid kit. If you have an infant, make sure all the proper supplies are in place. If you have a pet, make sure those supplies are included as well. For more information, visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

A little planning today will go a long way should disaster ever strike your community. Whether from natural disasters, disease pandemics, catastrophic accidents or vicious acts of terrorism, all Americans need to learn how to best respond to an emergency, whatever form it may take.