UPDATE: LANSING - Years after hurricane Katrina hit, Stockbridge resident Tom Ford still remembers that fateful day and the tragedy that struck his brother.

His brother was fortunate enough to save himself, his family, and his house, but this close call got Ford thinking. He realized that natural disasters can happen to anyone, and anywhere. In order to be prepared himself: Ford started preparing for one: drinks, food, first aid supplies, and his kitty cat food.

In terms of food, he suggest to stock up items that will last a long time such as rice, canned food, and honey. One critical product that people often forget is toilet paper. As simple as it sounds, Ford recommends to stock up on toilet paper because it is hard to find toilet paper when a disaster hit.

"Being prepared for natural disasters gives me comfort. Not that I can handle a situation that is thrown at me, but because I know I have tools to support me and my family until firs responders arrive," says Ford.

September marks National Preparedness Month and American Red Cross is encouraging residents to simply build an emergency preparedness kit and be informed about what resources are available in communities.


ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - September marks National Preparedness Month.