| I get this reaction all the time. If you prepare for | | | | Once it hits, don't go outside as it's very easy to |
| a disaster, you may be somehow jinxing yourself | | | | get lost. |
| and causing it to happen. It doesn't matter what | | | | Earthquakes: Besides the grab and go kit, you |
| the education level of the person in question is, it's | | | | may want a tent (or other shelter), sleeping bag |
| a lot easier to ignore the problem than it is to | | | | and camping style toilet. If all else fails in that |
| prepare. | | | | department, at least have small trash bags. Water |
| As you read this, you may be thinking "that's a | | | | supply is going to be questionable and sewage |
| stupid idea," but it's an easy trap to fall into. Here | | | | could be nonexistent. Expect no help for at least |
| in SoCal, ask any ten people at random what | | | | 72 hours, and perhaps as much as two weeks. |
| they've done to prepare for an earthquake and | | | | Floods: First, don't wait too long. If you know your |
| most of them will have eyes that glaze over. The | | | | area floods, learn the signs and get out while you |
| stats in our neighborhood after Northridge show | | | | can. You may also want to have some sort of |
| why. | | | | water craft, particularly the inflatable kind. |
| Of sixty-five houses, three had the water heater | | | | Documents, including your flood insurance, may be |
| plumber's taped to a wall stud. Of the six houses | | | | a good idea to take with you. |
| in our immediate area, we were the only ones | | | | Tornadoes: The smaller ones can rearrange your |
| with working flashlights that could be found beside | | | | house effectively, and simple precautions should |
| our beds. I argued a long time and very | | | | suffice. You'll want a basement, the grab and go |
| determinedly for this to be so. | | | | kit and most likely your insurance papers. The |
| How about you? What natural disasters could | | | | larger (F4 and F5) need below ground or a safe |
| cause your problems? Have you taken even the | | | | room to protect you. If you live where these can |
| smallest steps to prepare? If and how you | | | | hit, it is well worth the investment. It could save |
| survive depends on these answers. I have to tell | | | | you and your family. |
| you, I've been in more than one. I've been in a | | | | One thing that is not always mentioned is what to |
| major flood, a large tornado, ice storms, a blizzard | | | | do if you're in a vehicle when a tornado is about |
| and Northridge. I don't want to do any of them | | | | to strike. Do *not* stay in your vehicle. If you |
| again. However, for most, we were ready. | | | | can, drive perpendicular to the tornado to get |
| General Readiness: Experts suggest a "grab and | | | | away from it. |
| go" pack. Food, water, medications and the basics | | | | If you are likely to be hit by it and you're in a |
| of survival ready to leave out the front door | | | | vehicle, do not try to use the space under an |
| when you need it. It fits many situations, and can | | | | overpass or bridge. The wind can be much |
| provide comfort in a very uncomfortable situation. | | | | stronger under these structures. Do not stay in |
| Battery or hand operating radios can keep you in | | | | your vehicle. It can and probably will be tossed |
| touch with the news. Flashlights, first aid kits, | | | | around like popcorn kernels in a popper. Find the |
| medications and even spare clothing is an idea. | | | | lowest area, preferably a ditch, and lay down in it. |
| Space blankets could be useful in the right | | | | We should all research the things that could |
| circumstances. | | | | happen. Being prepared does not mean we are |
| Blizzards: If you have enough warning, try to be | | | | accepting that it will happen. Instead, being |
| at home or in another safe place. You do *not* | | | | prepared lets us set that bit into the background, |
| want to be driving in one of these. It's hard to | | | | to be used when necessary. Look into the |
| see your hand in front of your face at arm's | | | | problems you may face in your area. Knowledge |
| length. Your water lines may freeze, and if you're | | | | is power, and sometimes, knowledge can save |
| out in the country, your gas lines could do the | | | | your life. |
| same. Keep pets indoors for their protection. | | | | |