EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS, 7TH AND MONTANA-STYLE ...

What do you bring to an Earthquake Preparedness Party? That was my dilemma today as I got ready to attend a gathering hosted by Nat and Robin to help prepare the neighborhood in case an earthquake strikes. Somehow, I knew a bottle of wine wouldn't quite cut it. I ultimately decided on a special Earthquake Dinner for Two: A package of Freeze Dried Katmandu Curry. Just add boiling water and, voila, you have a feast fit for a Yak. At the party, Nat and Robin's friend Roger, a member of the city's Civilian Emergency Rescue Team, shared some potentially life-saving advice. Here are some of his tips:

• When an earthquake strikes, duck under a desk, table or some other piece of furniture that could serve as a shelter. Make sure it's far away from a window.


• Keep vital information (social security card, driver's license, passport, medical records, insurance information, etc.); a change of clothing; some cash; personal hygiene items in a central/easy-to-reach location in your home.


• Keep a crowbar and shoes near your bed. The crowbar might be necessary to pry yourself out of a jam and the shoes will help prevent you from being injured if there is broken glass on the floor.


• Keep the following items handy: A butane gas cooker; canned provisions w/can opener; bottled water; a first-aid kit; a solar-powered cell phone recharger and a flashlight. You can purchase most of these items and more at SOS Survival Products.
  
• Keep a "ready jacket" available with rope, gloves, burn spray and other essentials in the pockets (this will come in handy if/when you leave the house to help others in need).


• Create a "car kit" including a crowbar, flashlight, whistle, thermal blanket, plastic trash bag (good for collecting water, if necessary), bottled water, flares, essential medication, tools, a fire extinguisher, tissues, pre-moistened towelettes, matches, a can opener, leather work gloves and some provisions in case an earthquake strikes when you're on the road. Put all of these items in a back pack for quick access.


• Freeze water in plastic gallon containers so that if the power goes out, you can transfer it to the refrigerator to help keep perishable items cold.


• Keep a stash of foods that can save your life, including: Pastas and rice; peanut butter; canned fruits and vegetables; canned meat, fish and poultry; powdered or canned milk; and dry cereals.


• Learn how to purify water by adding chlorine bleach and iodine.

Thanks to Nat and Robin for hosting the gathering, and to Roger for giving us so much valuable advice. In retrospect, the Freeze Dried Katmandu Curry was probably a mistake. One bite of that stuff and you'll need more than a crowbar to turn off the gas ...!