Living in Los Angeles means living with earthquakes. And it’s sure been awhile since we had an earthquake of notable magnitude [knocking on wood]. ATLA has already mentioned some precautionary financial preparation, via earthquake insurance. But how about preparing for basic necessities in case of an emergency disaster?
Emergency Disaster Home Kit
An emergency disaster kit should be mandatory in any home. And the best time to prepare one is in advance, meaning, now. So what should be included in an emergency disaster kit? Here’s a short list of “must haves”:
- Food (high calorie meal replacement bars are a good choice) and water for one week
- Personal hygiene items
- First Aid Kit
- Utensils and utility knife
- Sleeping bag and extra blankets
- Flashlight and Portable Radio with extra batteries
- Poncho
- Extra cash
- Sleeping bag and extra blankets
- Solar or windup cell phone battery charger
- Duct tape and plastic tarp
Or if you want a one stop, presorted solution, you can always order from a variety of home disaster kit retailers. In either case, it’s money and time well spent.
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Hey don't forget your beloved pets: food, water, leashes, carriers!
Also a good tip I learned from a local firefighter, many people assume their home will be standing afterward, but it's actually wiser to keep your main emergency kit somewhere like your garden shed because it's much easier to sort through that volume of 'stuff' (than a single or multi-story home that collapses or is so damaged it can't be entered safely).
Red Cross sells emergency kits of all sizes and capacities. A few months ago I got a backpack crammed full of stuff intended to support 4 people for 3 days. It's heavy! I believe it set me back less than $150, but it was a huge load off my mind to know that we have it if, heaven forbid, we need it. (I'm in Seattle, and we get earthquakes too!)
Did you guys watch the OC last night or something?
HAHAHA...that's funny mscot! Jonathan just informed me he saw that episode of the OC, and asked me the same thing. I swear, it was just by chance! I don't think I've ever even watched an episode :D
If you're planning on sticking around at or nearby home you may wish to invest in a chemical toilet (one of the bucket type ones). Not glamorous, but potentially very useful.
It's also a good idea to keep copies of your drivers license and passport in with your emergency kit, along with dust masks, goggles, and work gloves. If you have pets also keep copies of your pet license and vaccination record.
You guys rock! What great suggestions.
does anyone know where i could get a solar cell phone charger for an iphone? none of the ones i've seen support them. thanks for all the suggestions! also don't forget a ladder or rope. i got a great fold up ladder from home depot.
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