Now that two winter storms have pummeled the Tri-State, it is important that residents ensure they are prepared for round three if it occurs.

Being prepared — at home and on the road — is vitally important when Mother Nature unleashes inclement weather.

No one every thinks of emergency preparation until the emergency has already hit.

But a little forward thinking could go a long ways toward preventing a tragedy

According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, recommended items to include in an emergency supply kit include:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers

Similar items should be included in a vehicle kit when traveling in winer conditions. Here are a few additions:

At least two blankets or a sleeping bag

Booster (jumper) cables

Emergency flares

Extra clothing, particularly boots, hats and mittens

A steel shovel and rope to use as a lifeline

Bottled water or juice and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter or cheese crackers)

If the old cliche is that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” we hope to see a pound or two of each.