Ravings of a crazy woman? Oooooorrrrrr.... earthquake prepping mistakes I think I'm making and perhaps others too...suggestions encouraged!!!

First off, remember Haiti?

Haitians had a big problem after the big earthquake.

Digging people out from collapsed buildings.

Soooo I bought a wrecking bar.

And an axe.

They are both...IN THE HOUSE!!!

SO I'm thinking, I need them in the shed or someplace where I can get to them to help dig people out - assuming I get out...

And then I think ---all my food, medical supplies, etc.

Inside the house.

If the house collapses in a giant quake, then I will have nothing outside, assuming I can get out - to help those trapped inside other buildings, or my own child in my own house, were she to be trapped.

So now I am thinking how to outfit my exterior shed (thin metal, won't collapse probably) to have everything I should have in case of a giant earthquake.

Obviously, gloves, wrecking bar, axe, water,food, medical supplies...

And then I think, well, if I put some of my supplies that are inside the house in a place - such as next to a window - where I could more than likely get to it even if the structure were badly damaged...

Hints, suggestions, words of wisdom anyone?

I'd really like to hear of anyone's earthquake experiences and what they would prep for, having been through it and knowing first hand what it's like.

Thanks

I'm one of those that likes to'bury' 5 gallon buckets filled with supplies you would need as an emergency in various different places.

Like your back yard, along a trail where you might run to hide if people went mental. That sort of thing.

The reason for burying them is that the earth will keep them cool year round so no damage from hot/cold in a storage shed type deal. You'd be suprised what you can pack into a 5gal bucket.

Calm the hell down. You are over reaction.

i like to keep essentials in wheeled trash cans. (purchased specifically for this use, of course)

now if i am alone when it hits,i'm pretty screwed... i can only take so much at once. :P

excellent

i have both of those on the porch right now. it's okay to prepare. really.

Well It sounds good.

A friend of mine who lived in Cali for 40 years said the most important thing to do if you are in the house is get out. Open the door first so you don't have a problem in a couple of minutes. If the door frame goes crooked, and it might easily, you can be trapped.

I don't know but it's the first thing I will do.

That's a good idea. I had not thought to bury anything.

If I were to have to go on foot, I would be in big trouble though. I figure I will be staying in place or bugging out in a vehicle. So I guess I should ready some bug out bags to go in the vehicle. I always keep the gas tank at least half full.

I suppose having the bikes ready to go would be a good idea too...

What to bury? The ground here is damned hard too...

I am specifically thinking about the earthquake scenario. We are too far inland to worry much about tsunami - so I need to have the ability to get people out of the house, so for that, gloves, wrecking bar, ropes, axe, saw, etc... medical supplies, such as tourniquet supplies, bandages, etc, and also food, water, clothes, tent, bedding...outside so I can get to them right away. I was thinking even keep some of them in the trunk of the car, then keep a key hidden outside.

Yes, key to vehicle outside!

tell me that when my kid is trapped in the house and I'm trying to get her out.

I'm calm as anything, now. I want to stay calm. So if or when disaster strikes, I will be as prepared as I feasibly can.

I'm not trying to prepare for every disaster, most specifically for an earthquake.

I see that as being the most likely.

wheeled trash can is perfect! I'm gonna buy a couple next time I'm at the home store.

I'm so glad I started this thread. I knew there would be great ideas and this is one.

Fairly safe from burglary too - what robber looks in your trash can?

One thing I'm concerned about is hiding them because I don't want to leave implement around that people can use to break into the house. I hate that there are medium big rocks in our landscaping. Broken window anyone?

great tip. I know to get out asap, but the door jamb grabbing the door is a good point!!

I have a sliding glass door in my bedroom, so that's tempered, and I could break it if needed, but that would be messy and suckish - I need to keep shoes by the bed I'm thinking now.

Shattered safety glass plus bare feet equals problem. Uggs by bed. Check. Old Uggs in shed or trash can...