Preparing for the “Big One”… Without Appearing Crazy.

We moved to Surrey and there was an earthquake to announce that we have arrived.

It’s how we roll.

I did not feel it; I guess I was just exhausted from the move.

But judging from Facebook, alot of people felt it. So that got me thinking. How many of us are prepared if the power goes out for a few days?  I mean let’s be real here, people go crazy if the internet is down for a few hours, imagine what would happen if there was no power, no phone, no food and no water for 2 or 3 days! Are you prepared for a big earthquake, flood, or the zombie apocalypse??  Do you know what to do, or will you just wing it?  Do you have your crossbow and machete ready? Do you have an emergency plan in place?  Do you know where your fall back locations will be? Is your grab and go kit packed? What if the zombies break down your door and you have to run with a moments notice?!?!

Working in the security and emergency management industry, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about preparing for emergency, and about personal safety and security. I do it for work so it is something that is always in the back of my mind. No the zombies are not in the back of my mind silly…

I believe that the Lord would have us be prepared for disasters – not over the top, but to be ready in case it happens. There is wisdom in being prepared. I consider myself a “prepared prepper.”  Not a hardcore, or even moderate prepper. I don’t have tubs full of seeds, closets full of water, nor do I have guns with ammo in a container buried in the forest, nor do I buy Jim Bakker’s Buckets (and I don’t recommend doing so).  We just moved, hence the earthquake, so I have to create a new emergency plan for the family, and our “grab and go kits” are in disarray..(and I dumped all my 2 litre bottles of water cuz I didn’t want to move them…)

Here are some bare minimum essentials if you do not want to seem like a “crazy prepper”, but want to survive for 3 days at home if something happens:

1. Know where your gas, water, and electrical shut offs are. Seriously. And ladies, don’t rely on your husband for this, he might be stuck in traffic. It takes 2 minutes to learn it, and it can save your house and your life.  Speaking of which…I should probably locate mine in the new house…
2. Water. Water. Water. Have extra water in the house.  I don’t have any right now…
   • An idea is to fill 2 litre soda bottles 4/5 full and line the bottom of your deep freeze with them.  They help lower the energy cost of your freezer and they are a great source of clean water. (don’t fill them up as they will burst)
   • In a pinch, your hot water tank will have 40-100 gallons of water in it ( so learn how to access it); each toilet tank has a gallon or so as well.
3. Non-perishable Food (preferably that does not need to be cooked). I need to stock up. My go to food is energy bars and granola bars.  They last forever. So stick a few boxes in a closet.
4. Candles / Matches / Lighters. If the power is out.  You are going to want these.
5. First Aid kit. Get a kit and take a course.  First aid can save a life even in the absence of a disaster.
6. Fire extinguisher. Get one and learn how to use it. Put it in an easy to access location.  Our landlord left his, so we got that…
7. Have an emergency plan in place. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the even of a disaster. I need to do this for our new home. There are lots of resources on line. Start here:  Get Prepared.
8. Have “grab and go” kits ready for each person.
   • Essentials for a “non-crazy person” grab and go kit:
     • Water: At least two litres of water per person per day
     • Non-perishable food: Energy bars and granola bars are light and easy to carry.
     • Emergency blanket.
     • Hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.)
     • Small thin Bible in a ziploc bag.
     • Tools: Multi tool with a small knife, rope, lighters, a flashlight, and a personal radio (Either crank or also pack extra batteries).
     • Small First aid kit, with Ibuprofen.
     • Extra keys to your vehicle and house.
     • Money. Small bills and change.
     • Clothing. Especially Socks. Light walking shoes.
     • A copy of your emergency plan, map of the area, pictures of family members, contact information and pencil in zip-loc bags.
     • Other items such as deck of cards, prescriptions, formula, dry baby food, stuffed animal for small kids, equipment for people with disabilities, etc.

You can make your kits bigger with shovels, guns, ammo, tents, tarps, blankets, generators, diesel fuel, barbecues, propane, zombie-head-removing tools like machetes, and a donkey to pack it around for you…but then you would look crazy…you wouldn’t be crazy of course, because zombies are totally real..but we’re going for the sane look here.

It is hard to believe that we survived that earthquake!

See you on the other side.

**Maybe I should rethink that donkey…**