The Boy Scouts of America’s motto remains some of the best words of wisdom in life, regardless of your age or gender.

Be Prepared.

Those words have certainly hit home this week as the Tri-State has been slammed with snow, ice and winter conditions that have made travel difficult and forced thousands of people to alter their normal routines.

As soon as the weather forecasts start calling for snow, people rush to the neighborhood grocery and hardware stores. This is fine but the real key is to plan ahead and be ready before the snow threat ever arrives.

Residents should think about keeping an emergency preparedness kit.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, here are some key items to include:

> Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days

> Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

> Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

> Flashlight and extra batteries

> First aid kit

> Whistle to signal for help

> Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

> Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

> Cell phone with chargers

A little preparation now could make all the difference later.