THE BIG ONE : EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS KITS

In case of a major earthquake, you can save yourself and/or your family alot of time and trouble (and maybe even a life) be having an earthquake kit. Opinions vary as to what should be included in such a kit, but here are the basics for two different kits--one for the car and one for home:

FOR THE CAR: * First-aid kit (with bandages, gauze, tape and handbook) * Water (2 quarts) * Personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, towel, razor and any needed prescriptions, antiseptic cream, aspirins, bandages, gauze. * Pocket knife * Leather gloves * Bottle opener * Matches * Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb) * Pocket radio (with extra batteries) * Blanket * Dehydrated or canned food/snacks * Jumper cables * Screwdriver and crowbar * Plastic trash bags * Pencil/paper * Sterno canned heat Store all of the above in a nylon backpack or metal or plastic container in truck of your car.

FOR THE HOME: * Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs) * Portable radio (with extra batteries) * First-aid kit and handbook * Water (two quarts for each person in household) * Foods: only store canned, powdered, freeze-dried and dehydrated foods--enough to last one week * Personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, towel, razor and any needed prescriptions, antiseptic cream, adhesive tape, alcohol, aspirins, bandages, gauze. * Gloves * Plastic trash bags * Aluminum foil * Household bleach * Tisues * Pocket knife and can opener * Mini barbeque grill or hibachi * Matches, candles and Sterno * Screwdriver, wrench and crowbar * Sleeping bag and / or blankets * Change of clothes, underwear and shoes * Pencil and paper * Keep important papers and cash close by All of the above can be stored in an old barrel or trash can.

Source: American Red Cross; CEPP Corp.; The Emergency Lifeline, Santa Ana