Be Prepared

preparedness: a state of readiness, esp. for war : the country maintained a high level of military preparedness

I like planning. I like being prepared for what might come my way. I'm also, along with many of my fellow Californians, in a state of denial about what kind of living situation I might find myself in when the Big One comes.

Yes, for us, preparedness mostly refers to earthquakes. I thought I'd take advantage of the expert shopping advice of my visiting sister to assist me in collecting items for my disaster kit. One I should have had prepared a long time ago but haven't been serious about until the 4.2 quake hit us a week ago. So yesterday I purchased the following items:

• a crank-powered radio
• light sticks (the kind you break and they give off a sickly green light)
• heavy duty trash bags
• work gloves
• can opener
• spork
• collapsible cups
• first aid kit
• antibiotic cream
• sunscreen
• spray bleach
• whistle (with a compass & thermometer)

I'll still need to pick up food items, water, a blanket (and probably other things I can't think of now). I already have a crank flashlight and a multitool thanks to Sal. I might want to put a book or two in my kit too as my own personal emergency items!