emergencies happen

No matter what part of the world you live in, there is some kind of natural disaster swirling at your feet. Add to that the threat of fire and your best bet is to make like a boy or girl scout and "be prepared".

I grew up in Southern California, earthquake country. As an adult we kept an Earthquake Kit. Two sealed plastic trash cans full of food, water, and diapers. One can outside, one in what was deemed the most stable closet of the house. When we moved to Seattle we did not realize that earthquakes happen here too. We learned the hard way, with experience, and now have an emergency kit here as well.

After the Northridge quake in LA I learned more about preparedness than any flyer in any newspaper. For instance, did you know that boiled water makes the best ice cubes? Before that quake our emergency kit was pretty standard, since then it has grown into a thing that may actually make our hearts a little lighter in the event we need to use it. Yes, I am going to share.

OK, you have a list of all the things that you are suppose to have in the kit. Things like water, food, flashlights, and a car charger for your phone. Now it is time to turn to yourself and/or your family. What is it that makes your family comfortable? Do you need to have peaches with breakfast? Then peaches need to be in your kit. What about wine with dinner? Even if dinner is tuna on crackers, add some wine to your stash. Enough to get you and whoever else through five days. Chocolate, definitely. Does Oldest Daughter enjoy crossword puzzles? Add a book. You know I have knitting in my kit, this pattern, needles and a half dozen colors of floss. Takes up no room at all but will keep me sane. If your family plays games, cards and other distractions are essential. Even if you do not play games now, distractions are going to be necessary and welcomed.

The extras are highly personal but cannot be underestimated. Love scotch? A bottle better be tucked among the instant coffee and granola bars. Have a hard time getting through the day without bubble water? That would be me and I have plenty stashed away. Think hard about the things that make your day special and think even harder if you have kids. A bit of candy and a new toy can work wonders.

Do not forget the pets. The last time Youngest son and I were going through the supplies and checking expiration dates he asked about Tom (the cat). Duh, of course we need to have food and a new toy for him.

I hope we never have to use our kit, but knowing it is there provides a great deal of comfort.

 

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