Ready for the Big One

Most of us here in Los Angeles were awakened yesterday morning at 4:40am with a hardy shaking by a relatively mild earthquake. Having experienced the Northridge Quake in 1994, I was so glad to realize that my earthquake auto-pilot responses are alert. As I cleared the brain fog from a deep sleep, I found I'd already grabbed my glasses and slippers (which I always keep bedside). Thank goodness, this quake was a just healthy reminder and nothing worse.

About the only upside to 'the big one' coming is that this time I'll be prepared.

I'm a big believer in having things set up just in case, because I've experienced a 6.9 quake without an ounce of preparation. Trust me, not having a flashlight in the pitch dark when you're disorient and scared is not fun, especially when you're barefoot walking on broken stuff and you can't find your shoes. Or glasses.

Here's some great advice and handy checklists from 72hours.org.

After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable.

Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location.

Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.

Your basic emergency kit should include:

• Water – one gallon per person per day
• Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water
• Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
• Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
• First Aid kit & instructions
• A copy of important documents & phone numbers
• Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
• Heavy work gloves
• Disposable camera
• Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
• Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
• Any special-needs items for children,seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets.

A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly.

Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

• Flashlight
• Radio – battery operated
• Batteries
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Pocket knife
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
• Local map
• Some water and food
• Permanent marker, paper and tape
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Prescription medications and first aid supplies
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Any special-needs items for children,seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.