A Primo Papa is a prepared Papa

EARTHQUAKE!!!

What an interesting turn of events! Last night I started a draft about what to have at the ready in case of an emergency. I envisioned dashing through smoke and fire in the predawn hours with wife and child in tow. Then having to turn back and watch your house go up in flames. This morning I was gently reminded of where I live by a 5.4 earthquake.

This was not "the big one" and thank God it wasn't because we would have been in bad shape. We don't have anything set aside. We have been too preoccupied with every day parenting disasters to worry about a real one.  So as much as this is a to-do list for me, it is a strong nudge for everyone out there also. Now go get ready for that universal peril, the dreaded house fires, and whatever flavor of natural disaster that is unique to your neck of the woods. Here is what I need to handle a few days on my own with the family after a quake.

The PrimoPapa disaster kit:

Cash money: A couple hundred dollars at least! No power and now phone lines means no credit cards nor ATMs.

I.D.: Make copies of Driver's license, S.S. card, medical cards etc. You may have to run without your pants.

Drinking water: 1gallon/person/day. Water purification tablets if you have to drink from an unknown source. This includes the garden hose, there could be damage to the water line.

Canned food: have a hand opener, hand breast pump, formula and or baby food etc. (age appropriate)

Camp stove: or grill for cooking outdoors (keep all fuels and lighter fluids out of children's reach)

Matches: Matches? Yes, you will need some stinking matches!

Utensils

Drugs: A weeks worth of any prescriptions for you or your child. Don't forger extra prescription glasses.

First Aid kit: Your local camping supply store should have a good one or get a few small ones from the drug store.

Eyes and ears: Flashlight and radio with extra batteries and bulbs.

Clothing: A few changes of clothes for each season. You never know when something could happen.           Comfortable shoes.

Carseat: Hopefully, it is already in the car in case you have to get a move on.

Shelter: Sleeping bags and a tent.

Tools: Cresent wrench in case you have to turn off your gas (If you do turn it off, let the gas company turn it back on after inspection). Screw drivers, pliers, and a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife should do.

Storage: Plastic garbage bags, 1 gallon zipper bags, and rope.

Last but not least keep, all of this in the fewest number of bags possible. The best is one huge duffle on wheels. Store in a cool dry place. Check the contents of your kit every six months. Jr. won't be able to fit into those sames onesies by winter.

Best wishes,

PIT

Did I forget anything?