As a creative working for an insurance brokerage, I never intended to confront how irresponsibly I was living my life. Apparently the Pacific Northwest, Washington in particular, has a one in five chance of another big one occurring within 50 years.
In case you haven’t been haven’t been working in insurance, and thus don’t suffer from nightmares about property damage during natural disasters, ‘the big one’ is a giant earthquake.
I immediately bought renters coverage for a hefty $15 a month (I figured I could spare 3 lattes), and compiled earthquake kits for everyone in the office.
ABOUT THOSE KITS
I spent several hours attempting to piece together deluxe kits on a budget. Save yourself some time. It turns out the most simple, and cost-effective way to put together a comprehensive earthquake kit, is to buy one, and then snazz it up with some personal add-ins.
THE BASIC KIT
A good back pack
First aid
Water + Food
Emergency whistle
Flashlight
Blanket
Rain poncho
Stove
Air filtration mask
Waterproof matches
OFFICE ADDS
Flannel blanket
An extra set of clothes
Sneakers
Multitool
Wet wipes
Garbage Bags
Snacks
MY EXTRAS
Beer
My medications
Birth control
Tampons
(when two natural disasters meet)
Ibuprofen
Candy
An extra charge bar for my phone
BUT BEFORE YOUR BUILD YOUR EARTHQUAKE BAG, KNOW THE DRILL!
Let’s say your halfway through your emails, and the office starts shaking. I understand the urge to slide the MacBook under your desk so you can finish cleaning out your inbox. DON’T DO IT! If your phone is on your desk or in your pocket, take that instead.
Ideally find cover under your desk, below a table, or by an interior wall. If those aren’t options, protect your head and neck. Use a wheelchair, cane, walker? Use the guide. There’s a position for everyone.
Sometimes you get multiple tremors, so hold on and stay alert. The snacks in your kit aren’t going anywhere in the meantime.
DO NOT…
Park yourself under a window. I don’t care who you are, your body does not like broken glass unless it’s on a disco ball.
Head for a doorway. Contrary to former belief, doorways are an awful idea because where there’s a doorway, there’s usually a swinging door. (Ouch)
AFTER THE QUAKE
Check yourself and then others for injuries. Earthquakes are also notorious for causing fires. Keep an eye out for smoke, flames, and electrical hazards. Hopefully you’re not buried under debris. If this is true and your building appears to have large cracks in supporting walls or the ceiling, get out, and stay in clear areas.
Do not drive unless it is an absolute emergency. We’ve all seen someone follow an emergency vehicle down the freeway to avoid rush hour. The time to be that jerk is never, but especially not after an earthquake.
Bonus Tip from Grandma:
“In earthquake country, always keep your car’s gas tank over half full.”
I’m too lazy for this tip, but I know who I’ll be calling for a ride.
If you must use your cell phone, use it sparingly. Contact the Red Cross for information about missing relatives, rather than the police or fire department.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
WWW.SHAKEOUT.ORG
Kenzi is our communications wizard. She’s always on the lookout for what our clients have to say, and want to know.