You know about emergency preparedness for big disasters. They include storing drinking water and supplies for earthquakes and tornadoes. But it's important to prepare for little disasters, too. You don't want to wait till a pipe bursts to start looking for a good plumber or to start checking electrician's credentials when power's out and stuff in your freezer is melting. It's not the time to open the Yellow Pages and pick out a big professional-looking ad. It's what the guys who charge big for immediate service count on. You're in a jam and they know it. Instead think "emergency preparedness II" and plan ahead for these inevitable snafus, as well. Ask neighbors and friends whom they've used and liked. Ask local hardware people, too. Then start a list of emergency numbers by category. The good guys are always the busiest. Having them do small repairs first is a good way to meet them in non-emergency situations. Then, when big stuff happens (and it will), you'll have someone you know and trust who knows you, too. And that's the On The House tip for today.