Dear Heloise: Our weather seems to be getting worse every year. Climate change has created a need for us to be prepared for an evacuation if needed. With that in mind, it’s always best to have a “disaster kit” ready and waiting in case we do need to leave our homes immediately. If you are considering the idea of putting together a few essential items, this is what’s recommended by several survivalist groups around America. If you can think of additional items, please add them.

When evacuating by vehicle, take the following:

— Cellphone and extra batteries for the phone

— Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio

— Headlamp with extra batteries

— Multipurpose wrench for turning off (or on) gas and water

— Cash in small bills

— Solar charger

— Swiss Army knife

— Whistle

— Two flashlights with extra batteries

— First aid kit and any medication you are currently taking

— Three- to five-day supply of water and food

— Sleeping bags and a reflective blanket

— Four to five cigarette lighters (if you have extra, you can barter with others for things you need)

— All important documents (birth certificates, passports, deeds, etc.)

— Dust masks

— Toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, bleach, toothpaste with brushes, and a can opener

— Rolling plastic storage tub with heavy-duty wheels to put everything inside

— Seasonal clothing

— Your pets, along with their food and water

You never know when a disaster will strike. It’s better to be ready to leave than to be stuck somewhere without help, food or water.

One last thing — when you are told to leave an area due to harsh weather or any natural disaster, go! Don’t wait. Pack up and get out with your family, pets and supplies. Don’t make someone else risk their life to save yours. — Noah R., Great Falls, Montana

E-CIGARETTES VS. ­VAPING

Dear Heloise: What is the difference between E-cigarettes and vaping? Also, are these new smoking devices safe to use? — Elizabeth T., Brookings, Oregon

Elizabeth, an E-cigarette is the device, while vaping is the use of that device. And to answer your second question — no, vaping is not safe. E-cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals such as acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and acrolein, which is primarily a weed killer. Does that sound safe to you? — Heloise

ANNOYING PHONE CALLS

Dear Heloise: I’m fed up with people who call me and tell me that I asked them to call me back a week later. I’m not senile, and I know I didn’t ask them to call me back. Why do people assume that everyone over 60 has lost their memory?

If I sound angry, it’s because I am, especially when it comes to marketers wasting my time and insulting me or making assumptions about all elderly people that are usually wrong. Retirees today are in better health than our grandparents were years ago. We’re active, some of us still work jobs if someone will hire us, and many others travel, take care of grandkids and enjoy hobbies.

So, telemarketers can speak to us like intelligent humans. And if someone hangs up on you, don’t call them back. They don’t want what you’re peddling. — Barbara S., Yorktown, New York

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.