I have been thinking of getting an earthquake kit prepared for a while, but after reading the New Yorker article called The Really Big One, I sprung into action.  If you live the the NW, you probably know what article I’m talking about. It basically describes how Seattle and the rest of the Pacific Northwest will be obliterated when the next big earthquake happens.  The article describes the devastation that would be left behind from a 9.0 magnitude quake. The photo below shows what the 6.8 magnitude Nisqually earthquake did to a van in Seattle, so I can hardly fathom the damage which would result from a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.

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The article pretty much scared the living daylights out of me.  As uneasy as it made me feel, I’m glad I read it because it finally gave me the push to get my kit prepared.  I originally planned to buy a kit online, but every kit I looked at online was unattractive! I know that’s very superficial, but I have to live with this kit in my house every day, so I want it to be at least somewhat stylish. That’s why I decided to build my own.

The key to creating a successful kit is preparation. I found that FEMA has some very useful tips on their website.  Their earthquake guide can be found at this link.  Most of the items are pretty basic: first aid kit, water, and food–but there are also some items that you might not think of–a hand crank radio, dog food, copies of important documents, etc.  If you’re concerned about style like I am, you’ll also need a cute bag to hold all your supplies. I got mine on sale at Target for only $5.  earthquake-kit-3

Here’s a list of what I put in my bag – starting at the top left of the photo below:

It took a while to get everything gathered, but it’s worth it.  Now I feel prepared and safe. So what are you waiting for? If you live in earthquake country, start making your own kit now.