It started a few years ago, and the momentum is picking up. News outlets around the United States and Western Europe are reporting on a new health epidemic that has local authorities tied in a knot.

It isn't life threatening. It doesn't even make people ill. It doesn't damage property, but it gives everyone the willies and sends some people screaming to a shrink.

Bedbugs. EWWWW!

In the event of an emergency, many people plan ahead with stores of non-perishable food, but often neglect to include water. While a human being can last weeks without food, even the healthiest person cannot last more than a few days without water. Experts say that enough food and water should be on hand for at least three days of self-sufficiency. With one gallon of water a day the recommended intake to ensure proper hydration, that often means people don’t get the water they need once water supplies are cut.

Can you close your eyes and name every item in your house? Don't worry. Most people can't, but they should. Unless you have a photographic memory, having a home inventory is the easiest way to deal with insurance claims after a disaster or loss. This also expedites the claim, and makes sure you get paid faster, a factor that has a value of its own that isn't so easy to quantify.

Your water heater is a great resource for emergency supplies of water in the event of catastrophe. It does, however, need to be safeguarded from earthquakes if you live an earthquake prone area. Homeowners of California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska are required by local laws to secure their water heater if they are installing or replacing one.  You'll want to make sure that your hot water heater also has a flexible gas supply line. If you don't have one, contact a plumber to install one!

While it is often forgotten, your vehicle is one of your best assets in your safety inventory. to maximize that benefit to your family, it's important to keep your car or truck in good running condition and stocked with an emergency supply kit.

This article gives a comprehensive overview for picking the right generator for your emergency needs, and for any budget. Nearly every disaster that can strike a home carries a risk of power loss. If a power grid is damaged enough, utility companies may take weeks to get power running again. While investing in a generator is a sound idea, many questions should be answered first to figure which appliances you will need to maintain power to. You could well overspend on a generator with capabilities you don’t need, or underspend on a generator that doesn’t have the juice to fulfill your expectations.