I have been following the coverage of the tragedy that in Minneapolis, feeling sad and helpless. Perhaps you are too?

When you make your plans and are preparing an emergency kit for your automobile, you probably won't be thinking about facing a disaster like the one that befell dozens of commuters in Minneapolis yesterday.

More likely any emergency plans and kit you have prepared are meant to help you cope with personal, small scale disasters – such as getting stuck in a rain or snow storm or breaking down on a road that’s off the beaten path. But, while you can’t imagine being prepared for something as unusual as a major bridge collapsing under you, you can do something - you do not need to feel helpless.

When an unforeseen disaster such as this strikes (or even just vehicle crashes), it can take some time for response and rescue crews to get to the scene and reach survivors in need of help. Some of the first people to respond will be those nearby or caught in the midst of the disaster themselves. While you can’t specifically prepare for every type of disaster under the sun, you can give yourself the tools and knowledge you need to help yourself, your loved ones and/or your neighbors when tragedy strikes.

• Build an emergency preparedness kit for your vehicle, if you haven't already, including (but not limited to):
• First aid kit and manual
• Battery-powered NOAA radio with extra batteries
• Blanket and/or sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
• Compass, road map and knife
• Heavy sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction) and tow rope
• Bottled water and non-perishable, high-energy food,
  such as granola or energy bars
• Extra clothing and shoes
• Get trained in first aid, including CPR/AED and rescue breathing, take a lifeguard course or simply learn to swim. (These are lifesaving skills.)
• Make a plan for how you and your loved ones will connect in the event of a disaster.
• Who will you call? Do you have their number?
  Make a contact card. [PDF]
• What if you can't get through by phone?
  Try a text message, e-mail or register your status.
• What if you can't speak for yourself?
  Add an ICE contact on your cell phone.
• Consider making a donation to a general operations or disaster fund for the national or your local American Red Cross or other local relief and response agencies so the resources will be there ready and waiting when disaster strikes.

• American Red Cross: Be Red Cross Ready
• American Red Cross – Twin Cities Chapter