A new WalletHub study places Texas 48th out of 50 on its list of the safest states, and emergency preparedness is one of the reasons why. The ranking lines up with NOAA data showing Texas leads the country in billion-dollar natural disaster events, and the greater Houston region has weathered 28 disasters over the past 45 years. It’s a sobering picture that has Houston-area organizations pushing for a coordinated statewide readiness plan.

“If we take those steps now before a storm makes landfall, then we put the community in a much better place,” said Mary Vazquez, vice president and chief impact officer at United Way of Greater Houston, whose organization formed the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance to coordinate disaster response. The message from readiness advocates is direct: you can’t always rely on FEMA or the federal government to show up right away, so every household needs its own plan.

Here in Waxahachie, we’ve got our own list of weather threats. Spring floods, roof-shredding hail, summer heat waves, and winter ice storms that shut down roads across Ellis County. The good news is that preparing doesn’t take much. Bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and a plan for pets and older family members can carry you through the first three days of a crisis. The 2-1-1 Texas Help Line is available 24 hours a day for disaster assistance and questions.

What’s the one item you keep meaning to add to your emergency kit but haven’t yet? Tell us in the comments.