China Earthquake

The China earthquake should be a wake up call to all saints in Utah. This quake was measured at 7.8. Most homes were masonry and other buildings were reinforced concrete. These are similar to buildings in Utah. The quake magnitude is similar to what could be here in Utah as well. For those that are interested, this quake will probably end up being the most devastating quake in terms of loss of life and property damage in recorded history.

We really should consider the following ...

Supplies:

Dust masks - My personal favorite is the kind that folds flat

Water - They are having all kinds of problems with fresh water in China. We need at least 72 hours of fresh water on hand, and a way to create fresh water after that. If you can store water, great! But be aware that water storge can be devastated during an earthquake. A good filter is an excellent back up.

Food - I like those emergency ration bars the best. They dont take up a lot of room. They have a 5 year shelf life and they are cheap. And some actually taste good. Other alternatives are canned food.

72 Hour or Survival Kit. The bag you choose should be well thought out. My favorite are those new back packs that also roll like carry on luggage; The best of both worlds and a way for the elderly to have a 72 hour kit.

I have a list of items on my LDSready website that people can prioritize with. Something is better than nothing. So if you have to go in stages, that’s also a good consideration.

Also, too much in your 72 hour kit is foolish. Use the spirit to guide you to what you actually need and find those items that are small and can be carried.

Here is a link to the 72 hour page of my preparedness website: 72 Hour Kits

Also YAHOO has an interesting picture gallery the China Earthquake - If you go there it is pretty hard to watch, so I dont think kids should see the gallery. Powerful quake rocks central China - Yahoo! News Photos

[HoosierGuy]

Originally Posted by WordFLOOD

The China earthquake should be a wake up call to all saints in Utah.

Hey, don't forget us in the mid-west! After the little earthquake we
had here a few weeks ago, I totally respect the power of earthquakes.
The five or eight second earthquake we had here and the aftershock
shook the house like a semi truck hit it! Scary. That was the first
earthquake I ever felt, it sure opened my eyes up.

Speaking of water - I live near the Wabash river. I don’t think I would
want to drink it unfiltered but is there a need for me to store water
for a year with that river close by? Will a filter make river water safe
to drink? There are few factories along the river and I've always heard -
don’t eat the fish out of the river.

True that! Everyone should be prepared, but this fault line here in Utah is well documented and I dont believe the one in the mid west was -- it was a surprise. But we all should prepare regardless.

Water, yes you can filter all kinds. There were filters that were used in the Katrina water that worked great. I happened to meet the CEO of that company and was impressed with his filters. They are good for short term. Longer term options are like those stainless steel pots that are gravity fed. They work great in the longer term. But those you cant put in your 72 hour kit!

[HoosierGuy]

I know this is serious business and all, but I was thinking - building an
emergency kit with water filters and food and stuff might kind of be fun
to do. Maybe I could buy something here and there, slowly building up
a nice two day or week long kit.

HoosierGuy,

Thats the Spirit! I think I must have built 10 kits before, and gone over countless senarios in my head before I settled on the one I have.

For me, I have my quick and easy 72 hour kit. It weighs in at 22 pounds with provisions and water with other items to last over a week! Then I have a large rolling duffle bag I keep for more creature comforts. Its big, and I wouldnt take it in a "get out now" senario. But has a nice tent, pillow, extra clothes, sleeping pad. Oh ya! Im gonna be living the high life! LOL