They're back.
Northridge earthquake aftershocks are making headlines again and so is the prospect of the Big One. And while scientists studying the area's ample network of nervous faults may differ in their scenarios, no one is arguing with Caltech seismologist Kate Hutton's recent comment that "the people of California need to be prepared at any time."
So now is a good time to take another look at your earthquake supply situation--has your bottled water really been sitting there for five years?--and update from experience.
"It is a pain to get prepared," says Jeff Edelstein of SOS Survival Products in Van Nuys. "People see all these lists and think about the time and money involved, but don't be overwhelmed. Just set some goals--water, food, lighting, safety items--and make a timetable. Then each week set a few things aside."
Home
* A flashlight and fresh batteries should be handy in every room. Power-failure lights, plugged into outlets for constant recharging, will see you through the immediate crisis.
* Three- to four-day food supply per person.
* Two gallons of water per day per person.
* Tools such as crescent wrench to turn off gas and water (learn how to use beforehand), hammer, screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), shovel, ax, crowbar. Keep a garden hose for siphoning, and plastic tape and plastic sheeting to cover damaged windows.
* Portable (or solar) radio and batteries. (Portable TV and batteries, if you want more than audio contact.)
* Water purification tablets.
* Fire extinguisher (learn how to use it beforehand).
* Manual can opener.
* Keep cash on hand, because automated teller machines may not be working and merchants may not accept personal checks. Credit cards could also be useless if the electronic network is out of commission.
* Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils.
* Blankets.
* Comfortable clothes and shoes.
* Alternative cooking source, such as a barbecue grill or camp stove. Include matches and heavy-duty aluminum foil.
* First-aid kit, which should include prescription medications, antibiotic ointment, bandages, gauze pads and tape, pain reliever/aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxatives, anti-gas medicine, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, scissors and tweezers.
* Toilet paper and tampons.
* Large trash bags.
* Resealable plastic bags for human waste.
* Thick-soled shoes and heavy gloves for cleaning debris.
