How do you prepare for an earthquake with ever-aging little ones?

0 votes

Now with the third dramatic but not dangerous earthquake in as many days in the SF Bay Area, I'm wondering if it's time to check our earthquake preparedness supplies.

We very virtuously set it up before we had kids, but of course that means that while we're still (presumably) quite solid on the water, food and emergency radio, we're (undoubtedly) rather light on diapers, sippy cups, and the like.

Our kid's preschool asked for a photo / letter, an emergency blanket, water and a non-perishable snack.

Is there anything special you put in your emergency kit for kids? For diapers specifically, should we just stock large-sized diapers and figure that'll "cover" anything? I really don't want to be updating the kit at all, much less periodically.

That reminds me. Our 50 gallon supply of emergency water, which is "fresh" for 5 years was filled almost 10 years ago. Ugh.

- aknitter, Jan 8, 2010
andrea

both so cute, & so tiring!
mountain view, ca

Jan 8, 2010

1 Answers

  • 1 votes

    For diapers, we didn't bother with size 1 or 2 but put in 3, 4, 5, and 6s. If we remember, when our kid(s) are outgrowing a size we raid the earthquake supplies for the last box. If we don't remember, we donate.

    We had formula and baby food until the baby was a year old (and then, again, we donated it).

    We have a sippy cup or Kleen Kanteen-type canister for everyone and one extra. I figure we don't need too many since everyone will be drinking water.

    We have water and food which we (should) refresh every year or so but we haven't been that great about it. Since our kids are reasonably young, we still have kid-friendly food like crackers. We have lots of nuts, corn, and beans. We also have comfort food, like chocolate. We generally get some after a holiday when the holiday-themed candy is cheaper.

    We have clothes and shoes for everyone, but in a different place so it is easier to refresh. We put out old, stained clothes for the kids so we don't feel bad that they will (hopefully!) never use it. We put new shoes there (when we buy a size ahead) and/or an old pair that fits. My husband and I have hiking boots there.

    We have some glowsticks in addition to flashlights because they nicely light a whole room.

    We have a tent, a chemical "toilet," toilet paper, toothbrushes, paper towels, plastic bags, a first aid kit, a water purification system, some tools, and some cash. Make sure you include quarters for public phones since in an earthquake pay phones have priority.

    Everyone in our extended family carries a laminated card of phone numbers of people out of state we are supposed to call to pass messages to since it is easier to call people out of state.

    We have an emergency plan about where to meet in different situations.

    I assume I'll be less anal about it as the kids get older, but I just couldn't imagine having a little baby and not being able to feed or diaper him or shelter him. But our oldest is now 5 and I'm not nearly as worried about him in most situations as I am the 1 year old.

    Anonymous

    Jan 11, 2010



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