After last week's winter teaser, the sun is back. Saving daylight ought to erase any lingering winter blahs. This weekend, the wee hours of the second Sunday in March, Americans set the clocks ahead an hour (official as of 2 a.m.).

While you're at it, says the Federal Emergency Management Agency, use the occasion to change smoke alarm batteries, check fire extinguisher dates, and assess overall preparedness for a variety of emergencies. Have a disaster plan? Stocked emergency kit? Each family should assess its own needs, such as medical conditions and special needs of babies and seniors.

FEMA recommends a kit with:

* Water: One gallon per person per day, three or more days

* Food: A manual can opener and non-perishables requiring no cooking/water (canned veggies/soups, dry cereal, fruit and granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruit, canned juices). Avoid salty foods; they'll make you drink more. Baby food, formula, and special foods for medical needs. Don't forget pets.

* Flashlight, non-electric clock, and radio with extra batteries

* Medical kit: Sterile gloves, thermometer, plenty of sterile dressings/gauze, antibiotic and soapy towelettes, antibiotic and burn ointments, Band-Aids, eye wash, blood pressure and glucose monitors if needed.

* Drugs: Aspirin, non-aspirin pain relievers, antacids, laxatives (disasters cause stress), and any prescriptions and medicines taken daily

* Personal and feminine hygiene items, and antibacterial soap (waterless)

* Small and large plastic garbage bags

* Wrench/pliers to turn off utilities

* Tweezers and scissors

* Matches and candles in a waterproof container

* A whistle

* Dust masks

* Local maps and a first aid book (downloadable from www.ready.gov)

Another good idea is to keep important documents such as insurance, proof of identification, cash or traveler's checks, and bank information in waterproof containers.

"Chance favors the prepared." - Louis Pasteur

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Send email to sholehjo@hotmail.com