Would you be ready?

 

With all of the mandatory evacuations and closure of stores affecting the Northeast, I've been giving my emergency survival kit a lot more thought.

When we moved to California, we obviously took on the likely risk of earthquakes.Shortly after our move we started to research items that are necessary to have in your house in case of emergency.

I sure hope that if there was to be a big earthquake that would shut off power, close down stores, and keep us trapped in our home that it would do me the large favor of occurring after a grocery and wine trip. 

 

But, the chances of that happening are slim - so I have to think - and prepare, for it happening when we have nothing in the house.

As of right now, this is what our emergency kit looks like. We have it our front hall closet in a waterproof Rubbermaid that I picked up at Target for $10.00.

I have been slowly adding items to the kit every month, and there are still needed purchases, but here's a peek at what we would be working with if an emergency were to strike today.

From the limited research that I've done, they say that you should have enough food and water to last you and your family for at least 72 hours.

 

 The content in our kit today includes:

• Water - They say to allow for 1 gallon of water, per person, per day.
• Toilet paper & paper towels 
• Food - I try to pick up cheap, non-perishable items whenever I find myself at Target. Peanut butter, saltines,  and one granola bar have been the only items to make their way so far. I out the "Gu" in there because in a real emergency it's high calorie food that could sustain us if need be.
• -Canned fruits, cereal, protein bars, and nuts are all items I plan on adding 

• Dog items - We have about two or three days worth of food for Roscoe and an extra leash.
• Money - Joel and I never carry cash on us so I try to keep around $50 in the little envelope.
• Flashlight
• Matches 

• Backpack - In the seriously unfortunate event that we need to hightail it out of our apartment, I keep a backpack handy so that we wouldn't have to go searching if time was limited.

 The content that needs to get included into my tub sooner than later:

• Radio - and extra batteries
• First aid kit and medicine
• Blankets
• Candles
• Wine
• Photocopies of our driver's license and passport
• Whistle
• Extra pair of clothes/gym shoes
• More food, water, and paper goods
• A mini-tub needs to be created and out into the car as well.

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A few other things that Joel and I have given thought to is the fact that an earthquake were to occur would shut down power, Internet, and cell phone services. I cannot imagine the terror of not knowing where Joel was and if he was ok, and how he was getting home, but we've determined a few "safe places" in walking distance of our home and offices - and hopefully we will both have our wits about us if that situation were to ever arise.

It's a scary topic, but Sandy has given me the needed reminder that shit happens and it's better to be safe than sorry.