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QUINCY, ILL. -- Getting ready for a disaster isn't something you like to think about, but if it happens, Susan Asher from the American Red Cross, says you'll be glad you're prepared.

"When disaster strikes you don't have time to react," Asher said. "You can cause more injury to yourself or your family, more confusion. So you want to be prepared."

The first thing you need to do is make a plan. Start talking with your family about what type of disaster could happen at different times of the year.

"Now we're getting ready to go into winter and we want to make sure that you understand about the snow storms, ice storms and things like that, so talk to your family," Asher said.

Also talk about the safe places your family can go during a disaster whether it be your basement, a friend's home or even a shelter.

Next, have a kit prepared.

"People need to prepare, if they're going to be in their home, to be prepared for at least three days before help or power would come back on," Asher said.

Your kit should have the necessities like one gallon of water per person per day, non perishable food, a battery operated radio, batteries, tape or tissues.

It's also important to have a plan and kit at your business or work.

"Over 40 percent of businesses will not reopen if they have been hit by a disaster," Asher said.

So be sure to to have a back up to all of your important information and documents.

Lastly, prepare yourself, you are your best asset in the wake of a disaster. You can take CPR, First-Aid classes or even check out the Red Cross' app on your smartphone.

"It has a summary of what we talk about talking about," Asher said. "How to make a plan, how to put a kit together so it's a wonderful new resource for people."

No matter how you prepare, the object is to get ready now rather then later.