Q. The news makes me really nervous. We hear national terrorist alerts. Now we’re in tornado season with the possibility of disastrous wind damage. That’s on top of “ordinary” dangers, such as house fires and floods. How can I keep calm and not worry so much?

A. We do live in worrisome times. Of course natural disasters have always been a possibility, but it seems sometimes as if our modern, technical world has made disasters harder to live with than they were in simpler days. We are so dependent on electricity, computers and cars.

The American Red Cross has introduced a national campaign to help us all prepare better for any kind of disaster. They call it “Together We Prepare.” The information is all summarized in a handy guidebook available at local Red Cross offices or online at www.redcross.org.

Basically they suggest five steps to be prepared for whatever may come:

1. Make a plan. Every individual, family member, business or school needs to know what to do and where to go in case of a disaster. The Red Cross recommends that people identify potential disaster scenarios and practice what to do if evacuation is needed. It is also important to identify an out-of-town person that each family member will contact in case of emergency.

2. Build a kit. Whether evacuating or sheltering in place, a disaster-supplies kit can save lives. The contents should be placed in an easy-to-carry container. It is important to pack enough water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food items. Flashlight, radio, extra batteries and special items, such as medications.

3. Get trained. The Red Cross offers training and courses that teach people to save lives. These courses include first aid, CPR and the use of automatic defibrillators.

4. Volunteer. The Red Cross is a volunteer driven organization. There are many ways you can help.

5. Give blood. Every two seconds a person in the United States needs a blood transfusion, yet only 5 percent of the eligible population donates. And the blood supply needs to be constantly replenished.

If you have a question or comment for “Sense for Seniors,” write to Betty Gibb, Kansas Senior Press Service, 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 200, Olathe, KS 66061. Telephone: 913-477-8103; e-mail: elizabeth.gibb@jocoks.com.