It has been all over the news, "Cruise ship ran aground and capsized Friday off the coast of Italy." It's hard to believe, right? Big, established cruise line. Well mapped, familiar waters. A route the ship cruised every week.

The photos are haunting. Lives were lost, people went missing and passengers were forced to evacuate and leave their belongings behind. Thousands stranded with no money, no passport, nowhere to stay and no way to get home. It's a scary thought.

This tragic event serves as an important reminder to all. While we can't prevent disasters from happening, we can prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the unexpected. Put together your personal preparedness plan today. Visit www.72hours.org for tips and resources to help you get started.