DEAR READERS: In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and projections from the National Weather Service indicating that there are more to come, it is apparent that too many of our citizens are at a loss about how to prepare for a natural disaster.

Wanting to help not only the hurricane survivors, but also to offer information so that ALL of us will be better prepared for potential disasters in the future, I turned to my friends at the Federal Citizen Information Center in Pueblo, Colo.

True to form, they have come through with an excellent publication from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: “Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.” It explains how to assemble an emergency supply kit and develop a family plan that can be invaluable in all kinds of emergencies. The booklet is free. It’s available in both English and Spanish, and can be ordered by writing to: Preparing Makes Sense, Pueblo, Colo. 81009, or by calling toll-free: 1-888-878-3256 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

For survivors of the hurricanes, and for those individuals who want to help with the recovery effort, one of the best online sources is www.FirstGov.gov. This Web site has links to help locate loved ones, register online for government assistance, replace your vital personal documents, locate state and local services, as well as volunteer opportunities.

Because scam artists are always quick to take advantage of those in need as well as those who want to help, www.FirstGov.gov offers sound advice for avoiding frauds and schemes, and making sure the charity that you donate to is reputable. (Free copies of “Preparing Makes Sense” can also be ordered online at FirstGov.gov.)

While my prayer is that our country will be spared future disasters, my goal today is to encourage you to send for this free publication and to further protect yourselves and your loved ones by using the resources at www.FirstGov.gov. – LOVE, ABBY

DEAR ABBY: At a friend’s wedding last weekend, my best friend’s husband propositioned me. He said if I ever wanted “something on the side” to give him a call. I was floored. I had always considered him to be a creep, but never thought he would pull something like that.

I told him it would never happen, but if I ever considered it, it certainly wouldn’t be with my best friend’s husband. He said that that’s why I was the perfect candidate – because I would never say anything to her.

What should I do? I don’t want to tell her and have that be the reason she splits up with her husband, but I think she should know her husband is on the prowl. She has two small children with this loser, and although he seems to be a good father, apparently he’s a bad husband. – APPALLED IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF.

DEAR APPALLED: Considering the number of sexually transmitted diseases there are that can have serious, lasting health implications, you’d be doing your best friend a favor by speaking up. One way to lead into it would be to ask if her husband had had “a lot to drink” at the wedding, because “this is what he said to me.” She should consult her doctor about being checked for STDs – as well as asking for a referral to a marriage counselor, because her marriage is in trouble.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.