Preparedness: Earthquake Kit … and Kaboodle

September 6, 2007

earthquakeWhen I travel, and people find out that I’m from California – I inevitably get the same two questions: “Do you know any celebrities?” and “Aren’t you scared of earthquakes?”
In answer to the first question, sadly – no (unless you count my friend who used to dress like Clo the Cow for the county fair). As for earthquakes, the best way to alleviate fears is to be prepared! Ease your own fears about disasters by having an emergency kit – and kaboodle.
Some people say that they don’t have room for a disaster kit. To which I say -pish posh. A kit is important – and you need to find room! I keep mine in a large plastic box under my bed. Whether you keep yours in your closet, your garage, or even in the trunk of your car, make sure that everyone in your house knows where it is.
I’ve also divided the majority of the contents of my kit into two backpacks, so that if worse comes to worse, I can just grab the backpacks and go, and still have a lot of good essentials. And what is in my kit? Funny you should ask…
** Water
** Water purification tablets
** First Aid supplies
** Swiss Army Knife
** Hand Crank Radio/Flashlight
** Extra LED flashlight with extra batteries
** Candles, Matches
** Garbage Bags
** Cat Food and Litter
** Pet Carrier
** Granola and energy bars
** Assorted canned foods
** Extra pair of eyeglasses
** Copies of Drivers Licesenses, passports, and birth certificates
** Silver space age blanket thing
And here’s the ‘kaboodle’. Things that may not seem essential, but that would definitely come in handy.
** Candy
** Playing cards
** Travel Scrabble
** Bottle of wine (wrapped in bubble wrap!)
I try never to “dip” into my kit, unless I’m replacing items.
How are you staying prepared?

0 thoughts on “Preparedness: Earthquake Kit … and Kaboodle”

  1. BL Ochman

    I also keep cash in my Go Bag because in a disaster ATM machines are not likely to be available.

     
  2. pat

    I keep my emergency kit in a roller suitcase by the door. We also have hardhats. And a rope ladder to get out of the 2nd floor. Collapsible water tanks. And shoes by the bed. I live in Tokyo where shoes in the house are a no-no — but it’s also a very earthquake prone country.
    You and your your home are far more likely to get messed up by broken glass and falling objects than the house caving in.
    Here, I would never:
    -have tall furniture unless it’s bolted to the wall
    -heavy objects in upper kitchen cabinets
    -anything over my head where I sleep
    -cabinets without safety latches