Living in an earthquake zone implies being ready for the eventuality. Some people are in denial or just not motivated, while others are very organized individually and also in groups who have sworn to look out for one another.
While the manuals state you should be prepared to look after yourselves for 72 hours, some manuals and experts say that should be three to five days or longer — especially in isolated communities or in a mega-quake.
There are some kind-hearted citizens who have an arsenal of materials and knowledge for survival but who also are thinking of assisting others who may be more vulnerable.
An ordered list of priority preparations seems an arduous task. This is why I like to bring it home to basic reality as outlined in the rule of three: you will perish if you are without air — or are severely injured — for three minutes, without shelter for three hours, without water for three days or without food for three weeks.
For me this means; have a mask ready and know first aid and have a kit, make sure my home is sound and have non-polyester/cotton clothing (ie., wool blends), have water safely stored and know how to get more and purify it, have likable food that has good store-ability and doesn’t need to be cooked.
Just in case you must leave your house, have a ‘go bag’ for each family member and pet.
Lastly, learn as much as you can and have a plan and practice it regularly.
Gord Byers
Parksville