Problem: With the H1N1 scare and the economy at DEFCON 2, we’ve been distracted so worries over hurricanes and other weather-related calamities have taken a backseat. But the Red Cross suggests that families stay prepared for disaster. But the thought of making a ‘disaster kit’ is daunting and just plain scary.

Solution: Ease your mind and pick up a GoPicnic “Disaster Safety Pack” ($18, gopicnic.com), which includes a 3-day supply of breakfast, lunch and dinner for a single person or small family. Meals are ready-to-eat and non-perishable, so they’re great to keep on hand for emergencies. Then be sure you have at least a 5-day water supply for the family. Because, as your own mom used to say to you: Better safe than sorry.