Living in Southern California, we have been having a lot of earthquakes of late. Well more than we usually feel or I would like to feel. Indonesia, Haiti and Chili are just evident
that the Earth isn't done yet!
So for a long time earthquake and/or disaster preparedness has been on my mind? Can you really be prepared? I'm not about to build myself a shelter underground and stock pile it with guns/ammo and cans of beans for end times but I would like to have some sense of readiness and maybe some peace of mind.
Honestly, I don't think you can be prepared. If you do survive, what kind of shape will you be in? Will you be able to walk or climb out of your home or office or where ever you are?
One just does not know. It's the big question. But I have taken some steps to be eventually ready, still working on some areas but I feel I have the core ready.
I've packed bags . . . No I'm not leaving town! I've packed bags or survival kits. One for my home and one for my car. I found two inexpensive, small overnight/duffle bags at Kmart, perfect size and light enough so if you need to grab and go, it's easier then carrying a box. As I was making the bags what came up for me is like I was packing for camping and I love to camp so it was easy for me, also I thought I would want to be comfortable and feel safe in a time of uncertainty and upheaval.
I don't recommend spending a lot of money. Most of the items I found in my home. I think I spent $20 - $40 dollars on essentials. Some of the items I found at Target in the travel section where items are at least $1 each. Others I found at the 99 cents store.
Each bag has mostly the same items. Here is what they contain:
1 blanket each
A good pair of sturdy shoes
Flashlight/batteries
One bag carries a radio/batteries
Food/Water, enough for one week
First Aid
Candles/Matches
toilet paper
other personal items
In my car I already have some items, like a sleeping bag, first aid and shoes.
With the food, I have packed water, of course, small juice containers, trail mixes and protein/power bars, granola bars. I have written down their best buy dates and will need to refresh them out every 6 months or so.
There are other suggestions that I have come upon in my research:
- Money - recommended to carry at least $20. Enough cash for basic needs. Food/Gas
- a emergency contact list
- Turbo charger for the phone - battery operated phone charger
- ICE - In case of emergency. Put ICE as a contact. The contact is your "In Case of Emergency" number, like a relative, close friend. So if someone finds your phone, they know who to call.
- Stockpile on meds, especially if you are diabetic.
- Keep a extra pair of eyeglasses.
- Learn First Aid/CPR.
- Keep a flashlight/wrench/shoes under your bed, for easy access, to turn off your gas. Learn how to turn off your gas.
- For your furry ones, keep id tags current and pet food/water.
- If you have a relative that does not live in your area (like out of state . . . since you know California will be in the ocean . . .), have them become the designated contact for all family members. Also send them personal papers for them to keep safe.
- If you are sentimental, scan old photos and place on disk. Send them to your out of town family member.
- Keep a regular backup of your hard drive. Send a copy to your out of town family member.
- Practice an evacuation with your family. Have a meeting place.
What are you doing for emergency preparedness? If you are ready, what have you done to prepare? Do you care?
A good resource, as always, is the American Red Cross
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