When that disaster hits…

I have an accountability buddy whom I have been talking with every week for the past 28 years. (Wow!). We review our lists of goals and plans and try to cross stuff off our lists but mostly we catch up on each others’ lives. Lots of laughter and an occasional tear, and we are just there for each other through marriage, divorce, adoption, loss, successes, joy, moves, job changes and all those other life situations.

But…the one pesky task on our oh so long lists was the “earthquake kit.” Living in earthquake-friendly California, that has always been in the background. I have experienced several quakes, fortunately without much loss except for some broken glass and a few moments hunkered down under a sturdy desk, but it’s always something we should be prepared for.

In recent months, the “earthquake kit” expanded to a general disaster kit. The horrible losses due to fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, while not putting me in immediate danger, were just 20-30 miles up the road. And communities were wiped out. I got a text telling me to be prepared to evacuate. !! It was an unfortunate error and caused panic, but it got me thinking as I was flinging clothes into a suitcase and rounding up dog leashes. I am pretty much ready for the aftermath of an earthquake. You shake for 10-20 seconds. You look around and assess the damage. It’s done. But what if I suddenly need to clear out for a fire or other disaster? Where do I go with two big dogs? What do I grab fast and be ready to leave within the hour? Do I take the one-of-a-kind paintings that can’t be replaced? Where is my passport and birth certificate? Who can I freeload off of until life calms down? It’s a lot to process, especially if you aren’t prepared.

Are you prepared? If you suddenly have 30 minutes to get out now are you ready?

I created a check list that I’m slowly checking off and sharing. It’s a work in progress but it’s rather comprehensive. I’m posting it here in case it helps you. Every week I buy a couple of items and check them off my list. Duct tape? Check. Radio? Check. Water and food? Check. Extra batteries? Check. First aid kit? Check? Lots more items to check. But it’s in progress.

I hope I never need to use the kit, but after seeing fires in the Carolinas today, you never know when you need to be ready to get out and stay safe.

(Oh, by the way, I just discovered Nokbox.com – cool way to have all of your important documents in a fire-resistant file. You grab as you run, or you let your next of kin know it is there.)