Be prepared

Sunday’s earthquake was the second that I’ve experienced in SoCal, and this one was stronger and longer than the first. I’m not a Boy Scout, but I want to be prepared for an emergency.

When the Red Cross isn’t calling me to ask for blood donations, it apparently does a lot of work educating people on how to prepare for disasters. The organization recommends having an earthquake preparedness pack for your home, office and vehicle. (Yes, that’s three. THREE!) I have a decent pack for our home and have stashed some food and toiletries in my desk at the office.

Today, I put together backpacks for our two vehicles. Are we ready? I don’t know. But here’s the breakdown of what I bought at Target and what it cost.

• Backpack $9.99
• LED flashlight w/ batteries $7.89
• Flashing glow stick $4.99
• Swiss army knife $9.99
• Emergency poncho $1.47
• First aid kit $4.79 (Contains bandages, pain meds, antibacterial spray, Cortaid)
• Germ guard kit $3.98 (Contains masks, gloves, sanitizing gel and spray)
• Wet Ones wipes $0.99
• Renu saline plus contact lenses case $1.47
• Kleenex $0.99
• Wisps toothbrushes $1.99 (Mini brushes made by Colgate. They include the toothpaste. I would have been all over these back when I was a camp counselor!)
• Planters nuts $4.00
• Slim Jims $2.89
• Peanut butter crackers $1.72
• Granola bars $2.50
• Raisins $1.89

Total: $61.54 plus tax

The Red Cross sells packs with three days’ worth of supplies. The packs cost $69.95 but are out of stock. I based my shopping list on the Red Cross list.

Now, I have to go clean out the pantry to make room for a two-week supply of non-perishable food items.