One of the first things I did after hearing about the Haiti quake was to make a donation to the Red Cross. Then I checked our earthquake supplies.
Natural disasters that cut us off from clean water, electricity, ATMs and the usual sources of help can happen anytime and anywhere. That’s why it’s so important to have at least a three-day supply of food, water and cash, along with basic medical supplies and tools to help in a crisis (gloves, rope, shovel, axe).
You can find a more complete list of suggested supplies HERE.
Another important preparation: Pick a check-in person. This is who you and other members of your family will call if disaster strikes and you get separated. Pick someone who lives far enough away from you that he or she is unlikely to be involved in the disaster (at least 100 miles). Immediately after a disaster, it may be easier to make long-distance calls than local ones, since local networks are often overwhelmed. Make sure everybody in your immediate family carries the number of this check-in person at all times. You can print out cards to make that easier HERE.
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