The world can seem like a scary place in light of global news and recent events, and many fear that a terrorist attack is not possible, but likely. Of families living in the US, less than half have an emergency preparedness plan in place for such events. Preparing for a crisis ahead of time can help provide peace of mind and a sense of security, in unpredictable or uncertain times.

There are some steps that you can take to stay safe, which include:

Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your surroundings and, when away from home, keep an eye out for exits, doors, and what is going on around you. Take time to scan the room, street, and watch for things that could seem out of the ordinary.

Stock emergency supplies. It is suggested that you stockpile a week's worth of food for any emergency. Be sure to also stash medications, a first aid kit, flashlights, and plenty of batteries, too. Also, don't forget to stash some supplies for your pets in case of an emergency, too.

Report your suspicions. If you observe suspicious people, behavior, or packages in your area, report it to the authorities, or contact a security company like Security Services Northwest, Inc. Don't panic if you receive or find a suspicious-looking package; simply avoid touching it if possible and call the authorities. If you have touched it, wash your hands.

Cooperate with security measures. Security measures in offices, airports, bus depots, and other businesses are not in place to make your life miserable, but to keep you safe. Cooperate with these guidelines and use patience.

Pay attention to hazards. In the event of an emergency or attack, be wary of hazards such as falling debris, chemicals, and power-outages. Stay alert and use caution when leaving the home.

Stockpile your important documents. Make copies of any documentation that you might need if you suddenly had to leave your house. For instance, identification, banking information, and contact numbers are a few things that you should make copies of and tuck in a strong-box for easy access in an emergency.

Monitor situations calmly and carefully. Don't panic. Be sure that you have a battery-operated radio in the home to cover any potential situation. This can help to notify you when it might be safe to leave your home.

Make a family preparedness plan. Make a preparedness plan with your family members. Choose a safe-room, usually an internal room with no windows, high up, works best for chemical threats. Also, make a plan with kids about what to do if they are at school during an emergency; determine a meeting place if something happens when you and your family are not at home.

Make your family a bit safer by preparing for an emergency or terrorist attack before it occurs. Use these tactics to develop an emergency plan which could help keep you safe from harm during a crisis or threat of terrorism. Having a plan will not only keep you safe during these frightening circumstances, but being proactive may also help you worry less and sleep better at night.