Very well done, Sharp Phil. Logically thought out and executed.
I learned my lesson many years ago while living in Los Angeles. The 1971 Sylmar earthquake knocked out my power ( and hundreds of thousands of other people's), and my/our gas and water. I managed to get by somewhat satisfactorily, because I did a lot of hunting and camping, so had some pretty good gear for "survival". I was also single at the time, so had only myself to to whom I was responsible.
By chance, I also had a couple of full, five gallon Sparkletts bottles on hand. So that helped the water situation, in that I was not desparate, and had time to "regroup." I'd not planned anything for earthquake possibilities, I merely had "stuff" which made it much easier for me to get by, than for many, many others.
Afterward, I SERIOUSLY began laying in supplies for "The Big One," and during the 1994 Northridge Quake, they came in very handy not only for my wife and me, but for a couple of neighbors... who, like most, buried their heads in the sand and revelled in "denial." (BTW, the Northridge Eartquake was not "The Big One," but it was damned sure big enough for my wife and me!!)
Now, living in Idaho, my "kits," and supplies have changed a bit, but still, we're prepared for emergencies, bigtime. We did, and do, carry "survival kits" in our cars, with cold weather gear added to combat cold winters in Idaho.
Old habits never die I suppose. I must say, it's comforting to me, and my wife, to know we have good supplies, which are more than adequate, to get us fairly comfortably through almost any emergency.
Thanks for the post.
L.W.
