Earthquake/Survival Kit - do it and finally cross it off your list!

[watersnowdirt]

my own little PSA of sorts...

Have had "Build earthquake preparedness kit" on my to do list forever (you know, living in San Francisco this is a nagging "to do" for all of us).

Finally just decided I wouldn't get around to building it, so I bought one. Surprisingly not as expensive as I expected (though I'm sure pricier than if you build it on your own) - $95 for a good one that has pretty much everything for 2 people.

Anyway, I got one for my home and for my car, and will modify it a bit (add prescrip medicines, dog foods, a little cash supply, that sort of stuff).

If it's been on your list like it's been on mine, just suck it up and buy it. I hate the idea of something happening and finding myself feeling like an ass for not having done it...

http://www.quakekare.com/index.asp?P...ATS&Category=1

[iceman]

Just give us your address so we know where to go for help.

[steve]

Sorry, no earthquakes here.
Do you have a terrorist attack survival kit?


(no, it's not funny. nor am I trying to be.)

[watersnowdirt]

Sorry, no earthquakes here.

Do you have a terrorist attack survival kit?
(no, it's not funny. nor am I trying to be.)

Nope - just got the basic earthquake thing. The reality of earthquakes here and /or Tsunami (yes, I said Tsunami - San Mateo county is at huge risk, from what I understand) is pretty large, so you just reach a point where you realize that it's just silly not to be ready and at least be a bit prepared.

Definitely not a worst case scenario person, but you can't live in one of the most earthquake prone cities in the world and bury your head in the sand pretending it won't happen.

Like an avy beacon, it's one of the purchases you make that you hope you never use.

[cj001f]

I have trouble keeping a couple days supply of beer in the house, where would I store a months

Seriously, if you've camping/ski equip why the need?

[steve]

Nope - just got the basic earthquake thing. The reality of earthquakes here and /or Tsunami (yes, I said Tsunami - San Mateo county is at huge risk, from what I understand) is pretty large, so you just reach a point where you realize that it's just silly not to be ready and at least be a bit prepared.

Lived in Orange County for 12 years.. been through my share of earthquakes. Fortunately for me, the largest one I experienced was Joshua Tree, and I was 100 miles from the epicenter. SHook the hell out of me, but no catastrophic damage nearby. So yeah, I get it.. earthquakes are scary. There was a period of several months (I was probably about 12) where I couldn't sleep at night for fear of earthquakes.

[snowsprite]

http://www.72hours.org/

This site has some very good info. We used it as a model for our emergency preparedness site which we are launching next week!

Sprite

[Telenater]

Sorry, no earthquakes here.
Do you have a terrorist attack survival kit?

(no, it's not funny. nor am I trying to be.)

The contents of an Earthquake surival kit would be very similar to what you could effectively put together for a Terrorist attack (or other urban disaster).

Also, note that NY has the third highest incidence of earthquake activity east of the Mississippi River. It's not that significant compared to the West Coast, but it is worth taking seriously.

[Tippster]

Sorry, no earthquakes here.
Do you have a terrorist attack survival kit?


(no, it's not funny. nor am I trying to be.)

They were very popular in Iowa and Nebraska. Seriously.

The fact that people think they're next despite living in the Ass end of nowhere just makes me wanna cry.

Don't believe the hype, Steve - those kits don't do shit. They even took the temp. masks out of the WH briefing room because they're useless.

[Sinecure]

The toilet seat for the top of a 5 gallon bucket is very clever.



You could build one of these yourself easily enough, but their price doesn't seem unreasonable. I have some of the stuff, but not all. I like some of the ideas. With first aid kits, I always find I'm modifying the contents and adding lots of stuff. I keep a small one in the back of my car and it gets used all the time for stuff like skinned knees and other kid boo-boos.

I also keep a container of baby wipes in the back of the car. Its amazing how often they come in handy. I keep the small portable size in my glove box as well.

[steve]

They were very popular in Iowa and Nebraska. Seriously.

The fact that people think they're next despite living in the Ass end of nowhere just makes me wanna cry.

Don't believe the hype, Steve - those kits don't do shit. They even took the temp. masks out of the WH briefing room because they're useless.

Yeah, I suppose there's not much you can fit in a box that'll save you from a dirty nuke in times square.

oh well.

[bryanthebold]

My mom came back from the local ward house a couple weeks ago with some 72 hour kits. They are a great idea anywhere. The way I see it is I don't want to be on top of my roof with a sign reading "HELP US" because I couldn't be prepared in the least bit. Being prepared for anything like that is something every person should do. Especially if you have a family.

EDIT: Yea...I was scared when my dad said she was at the ward house, but hey, it was all for a good cause, and they just handed that shit out.

[summit]

I'm glad the topic of being prepared has come up.

Preparadness is something this government-will-take-care-of-me, just-in-time, consume-don't-save society has all but foregotten about.

New Orleans was a great example of how relying on big organizations in government in time of crisis can be a huge mistake.

Now you have the government coming and saying flat out "This will be too big for us to handle, don't count on us" when it comes to a bird flu pandemic.

There are so many things that could go wrong. Everyone could experience in their area severe weather, blizzard or flood, industrial accident, quarantine, riots, chemical spill, the list goes on and on and on.

For some people, earthquakes, hurricaines, tsunamis, volcanoes, avalanche, terrorism, and tornadoes are potential issues.

It really isn't hard to prepare for most of these in some way at least. It is all simpler when you look at what problems these disasters cause. Usually it is one or more of the following:
1. interrupted food supply
2. interruptions in utilities: gas/electric/water purification
3. overwhelmed hospitals and public safety services
4. unsafe/obstructed/restricted travel

The best way to prepare for the vast majority is to have a supply of food, water supplies, sanitation supplies, and first aid for you and your family. Second, it is good to have a plan on what to do if you have to leave your home.

If the Shit Hits The Fan, there are pretty much two scenarios: you stay home, or are ordered to stay home (governemnt plans call for SHIP-SHelter In Place). Your local super markets have enough food for your community for less than 3 days without being restocked. That is assuming you can leave your house to get there.

Do you have enough food? Do you have water and know how to purify it? Without electricity? Do you have a first aid kit and a sufficient supply of critical prescriptions? Do you have the ability to maintain sanitation if your plumbing doesnt work? Can you protect yourself and your family if there is civil unrest?

you just reach a point where you realize that it's just silly not to be ready and at least be a bit prepared.

Definitely not a worst case scenario person, but you can't live in one of the most earthquake prone cities in the world and bury your head in the sand pretending it won't happen.

Congratulations! You are not a sheep!

They were very popular in Iowa and Nebraska. Seriously.

The fact that people think they're next despite living in the Ass end of nowhere just makes me wanna cry.

Don't believe the hype, Steve - those kits don't do shit. They even took the temp. masks out of the WH briefing room because they're useless.

You know what? Sure the masks are mostly useless, but the rest of the kits it is good for them to have. Food, water, medical, sanitation... lots of things can go wrong. If their fear of terrorism causes them to prepare for other potential issues, then let them prepare!

My mom came back from the local ward house a couple weeks ago with some 72 hour kits. They are a great idea anywhere. The way I see it is I don't want to be on top of my roof with a sign reading "HELP US" because I couldn't be prepared in the least bit. Being prepared for anything like that is something every person should do. Especially if you have a family.

Awesome! LDS is pretty on top of the preparation business. If you want to prepared, they will help you. I've been told they will help non LDS types as well.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I should just stock up and 12 gauge ammo and matches

[Buzzworthy]

Awesome! LDS is pretty on top of the preparation business. If you want to prepared, they will help you. I've been told they will help non LDS types as well.

Actually, I am the only non-LDS house in Cove, UT. They had Dr. Erica talk about the local psych services in the event of a disaster. (this in turn for the guys that plow our driveway in the winter with their big tractors) This was all about the Earthquake survival kit. We live right on a major fault line in Northern Utah.


They used to come over to talk to me, but after opening the door one too many times, shirt off, tattoos showing, beer in hand, they stopped asking for me.

About 3 years ago home teachers showed up and our Dane knocked over my beer during a little get together with my friends and as Erica opened the door, I yelled a bit of "fuck, shit, dammit"..... they in particular never came back.


They are so cheap here thru the LDS Church fundraisers the kids do, I think they were $13. Question is: Where are they?

[homerjay]

Everyone could experience in their area severe weather, blizzard .....

I have some Gotama's just in case.....

[Arty50]

The contents of an Earthquake surival kit would be very similar to what you could effectively put together for a Terrorist attack (or other urban disaster).

Duct tape and plastic sheeting are surprisingly versatile.

As for tsunamis, I think you're all set wsd. Just hop on your mountain bike and start climbing.

[watersnowdirt]

As for tsunamis, I think you're all set wsd. Just hop on your mountain bike and start climbing.

heh - in that case I"m screwed. You KNOW how slow I climb!

I guess I'd grab the superlight and not the kona, eh?

[Cono Este]

The cheapest item you should always have around is bleach. For water purification and sanitary purposes. Tash bags, dry goods. Rice, Pasta.

I have a big pool, I'd feel real stupid if i could'nt purify any of it. Then I can trade for budweiser from my Bud Brewer neighbor from Germany.

[RootSkier]

Duct tape and plastic sheeting are surprisingly versatile.

Hell yeah. Then, when the enemy attacks, you can just wrap some plastic around your head, duct tape it shut, and die before the heathens arrive to torture and rape you.