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September 23, 2005
True Confessions
I admit it. I haven't done a darned thing yet to start my earthquake kit. Some role model I am!
Yes, I have a valid excuse: I've been sick as a dog. I didn't want to infect everyone at Target and the 99 Cent Store with the flu.
But this weekend, I promise to make a start.
How about you? If you're one of those responsible people who's had an earthquake kit for years and updates it annually, let me know. If you, like me, have just started getting your emergency kit act together, let me know as well.
Let's get this done!
Posted by Kitty Felde at 1:42 PM
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Hi Kitty,
I recommend buying one or two items per paycheck to help with the cost. I pick something up everytime I go grocery shopping.
I also like think of it as a camping trip. What would I need to be comfortable camping for 5 days? All of a sudden the list occurs.
A great resource is the Red Cross website as they have a great lists.
Remember to stash some food for the pets too. I went to REI
and found flat bowls, cups and plates that are about 3$ or less
and since they are flat take very little space to store. It makes a great waterbowl for the kitty. Take a gym bag or old back pack and begin to fill it with items as you may need to walk with your kit. Also you could go to the internet and if you go to survival sites they have Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's) and 5 day food packs including desserts. This is a fast way to get prepared and get food that has a long shelf life.
I also encourage my employees to do the same.
Too many times people just figure they will raid the snack machines in case of an earthquake. I also recommend a home, car and office kit. Maybe team together at the office as work groups to become prepared.
Posted by: Cathy R on September 23, 2005 3:10 PM
In trying to put together a definitive master list for my emergency kit, I've been alternately confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated.
My husband and I share a small apartment, so exhortations to buy a large metal drum of water to store in a shed are hardly practicable. I've found it helpful to sort my list into Communcation, Lighting, Food/Water, Medical, and Hardware.
The source I've turned to most is the LAFDhttp://www.lafd.org/eqindex.htm.
Now that I've finally accepted that there's no way to prepare for *every* possible contingency, I've set my sights on having one primary kit at home and two secondary kits for each car.
I'm trying to use the heuristic of "what's multipurpose?" Instead of an expensive chemical toilet, we're getting a big sturdy bucket and many, many plastic bags. (Romanic discussion topic for newlyweds, no?)
Instead of the huge water drum, we've agreed to keep 6 big bottled water containers at home at all times, while cycling through them so nothing expires.
I'd also like to put together a Costco fieldtrip with some friends so we can get good deals on supplies.
Posted by: Anna B. on September 26, 2005 2:41 PM
