Two major earthquakes, both with pretty devastating results.  Have you learned anything?  Both the earthquake in Haiti and most recently in Chile should be a call to action for you.  Are you ready?  Are your bags at standby?  Do you have a plan to get out or stay put?  Do your kids know what would happen in an emergency?  How will you get to them if they’re in school?  Please, if you do nothing else, have some extra food and water so you won’t face the dangerous mobs trying to find survival essentials.  Here’s a quick list:

Water - this is your #1 priority, you will not live without it, have more than you think you’ll need

Food- have enough for at least 3 weeks, preferably more

First Aid Supplies - at least the basics; bandages, antibiotic ointment and painkillers

Safety Equipment - flashlights, radio, extra batteries

Comfort Items - games and non-electric toys to keep the kids busy, books - a solar charger could keep a DS working and the kids happy

If all the information about preparing overwhelms you, take a weekend and pull together these basic items.  You’ll be glad you did and it could be the difference between a disaster being an inconvenience and a death sentence.