Thoughts on Earthquakes

I was born in earthquake prone Southern California and have lived here all my life. I spent the first 18 years of my life living on the southern end of the San Andrea fault.

I remember one summer we had a cluster of quakes that drove the family out of the house to sleep on the lawn for several nights. It was a scary time for me, even though my parents and siblings were sleeping close by.  They drug our mattresses out to the lawn at night so it was fairly comfortable but there were bugs and animals and all kinds of unknown noises. I should add, we lived on a kind of cattle ranch a little way from town.

My mother, brother and I were visiting my mother's sister and family in Oak View Gardens when the earthquake that was centered near Tahapi, Calif. did extensive damage there (1950's). Even though we were more then 200 miles away it shook us up pretty good. My brother wasn't impressed and went back to sleep.

Another time, when I was a teenager, I could actually see the ripples in the ground as the earthquake passed the house and heard the noise as it shook the neighborhood. Talk hard on the nerves!

The Northridge quake (1990's) knocked out power here for most of one day. The first time I remember loosing electricity. My daughter was attending CSU Northridge at the time and the parking structure she would have been in was a total loss. There was so much damage from that earthquake!

The authorities keep telling us we need to assemble items to get us through at least 3 days when the BIG ONE hits. I have started compiling a list and would like you to add anything you might think of that isn't included.


1. Water (1 gal. per day)
2. Non perishable food
3. Battery operated radio and batteries
4. Dust mask
5. Plastic sheeting
6. Duct tape
7. Moist towelets
8. Garbage bags and ties
9. Toilet Paper
10 Medications
11 Important documents
12 Cash
13 Blankets
14 Change of clothing
15 Sturdy shoes
16 Matches
17 Paper towels
18 Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
19 Paper and Pencil
20 Books
21 Battery operated light
22 Tent

I think I will get at least 2 large plastic containers for storage. I also need to decide where to put the containers so they will be accessible in the aftermath.

Again, please let me know what you think I should add to the list. Your help is much appreciated.