Thanks for the survival gift.

Wow! Did you feel that earthquake? (www.usgs.org)  What if the big one is next? Will you be prepared for the next unpredictable emergency that is definitely going to occur sometime in the future, somewhere? Have no fear because I have put together a list of items the Red Cross recommends in their emergency preparedness kits.  (available at www.redcross.org for $69.95.) 

When I looked at the list I thought of an idea.  This would be a great gift for your family at the holidays, for a charity auction basket, or as a housewarming gift.  I mean what is better than the gift of life? (unless we are crushed before we can get to our survival kits.)

For survival, these are the basics the Red Cross says we will need for a family of 3 for 3 days.

1. A container or backpack

2. Battery Powered Flashlight (with batteries) and Battery Powered Radio (with batteries)

3. Emergency Blankets

4. Food Bars (1600 calories per person a day)

5. Work Gloves

6. Emergency Light Sticks 

7. Moist Towelettes (18)

8. Breathing Masks (NIOSH - N95) or a Gas Mask

9. Plastic Sheeting (10'x10')

10. Rain Ponchos

11. Personal First Aid Kit (include prescription medication here)

12. Roll of Duct Tape

13. Water (2 quarts per person)

14. Water Container (2.5 gallon)

15. Whistles

16. Personal Hygiene Kit

17. First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Guide

Extras I added -  rubber shoes, tennis shoes, walkie-talkies,  phone numbers of family, cash, neck pillow, dog food, cat food, can opener, scissors.

Do you have any other items you think are necessary, please reply with your suggestions.  In the meantime, this is an event you and your family should know about called,  The Great California, SHAKE OUT. on November 13th, 10 am.

Hope this inspires you to get your kit together for you and your family.

Tatata,

TLC