I read with interest your article "Public Health Tackles Emerging Diseases" [Spring/Summer 2004]. Indeed, I read with interest most editions of Northwest Public Health and commend the efforts of all contributors.

In the weeks and months to follow the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina, I am reminded that public health preparedness means not only community preparedness for emergency situations, but also educating ourselves to minimize the potential dangers to the community and the damage and disruption that might lie ahead for us and our families.

I am sure many in Washington and Oregon are already prepared for emergency situations. Certainly I see many individuals who are prepared for winter emergencies such as being stuck in three feet of snow on the freeway. (Obviously not a disaster, but a commuting emergency nonetheless). My partner and I keep chains, small shovels, and a backpack filled with bottled water, power bars, and warm (dry) clothing...just in case we get stranded for an hour or two. Of course, that is winter in the gorge where I live...where the main thoroughfare, I-84, might be closed for a day or two.

As I think about how prepared I am for other potential dangers, the family and I began to consolidate items for an emergency kit that we might need...just in case. It may not hold everything we need, clothing or things like that, but it does provide emergency notification telephone numbers, people/places to call, and certainly is a beginning.