Ever had one of those Wow, I really wish I'd...moments? They usually happen after something unpleasant has transpired--something that, while possibly unavoidable, could've been made much less severe if you'd been prepared.

Although it might not be possible to steer clear of such moments all the time, there are a few simple habits that can make it much less likely you'll find yourself wishing you'd been better prepared should disaster strike. Here are three habits that, with a small investment of time and effort, can keep you, your family, and your stuff safe and secure.

#1: Back up your computer's hard drive. If you've ever had a hard drive die on you, you know the pain and frustration of trying to get that data back--or of trying to recreate it if it's gone for good. Backing up your hard drive is a relatively quick and easy process, and it can make recovering from a computer crash much easier. You can use an external hard drive or an online back up service like Carbonite, .Mac, or Mozy.

#2: Make copies of what's in your wallet. Losing your wallet (or having it stolen) is enough of a headache without having to scramble to remember what was in it and find the information you need to report missing cards and IDs. Save yourself an immense amount of stress by making photocopies of both sides the critical things in your wallet: your license, your credit cards, and your insurance cards. (While you're at it, make a copy of your passport, too.) Store these copies in a secure spot that'll be easy to remember. And to prevent a real headache, never carry your Social Security card in your wallet; keep it in a safe spot at home or in a safe deposit box.

#3: Test your emergency equipment. Finally, decrease the chances of facing disaster truly unprepared by scheduling time every few months to test your smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide detector. Use the test buttons on your smoke alarm and CO detector to make sure each device is working properly, and use these tips to test your fire extinguisher. These few minutes of your time can be lifesavers.

Remember, like any habits, you'll need to do these regularly in order for them to be effective, and it may take a while to really integrate them into your life. I recommend starting with one of these habits; once you're really in the swing of that one--when, for example, you've made it a regular practice to back up your hard drive each week--add another one. Taking things slow and steady will make it more likely that you'll stick with these habits over the long term--and, as with any good habit, that's what really counts.