Reviewing October's Goals

Wow! Here it is, the last day of October. At the beginning of the year, I handed out these cute little magnetized brick house calendars(because the wise little pig who built his house of bricks was a good example of preparedness).

So here is the OCTOBER page. HOWEVER.....

I just would like to warn the readers of this blog that for the next 2 months, until the end of the year, my posts will be very random as far as topics go.

We are all at different stages in our preparedness projects but we still need to MAINTAIN our stores and REVIEW concepts so we won't forget them.

I hope that each of use will always have this "preparedness mindset" as we go about our days and do something each day to become more prepared.

Last Night's Preparedness Club Meeting

Here are a few examples of what we discussed and did at last night's Preparedness Club meeting. The theme of the meeting was 98.6 Degrees: How to Keep Warm in Emergency Situations.

Basically you keep warm by wearing proper clothing and staying dry, hydrated and nourished. Your body is a furnace and will create heat if you give it simple and complex carbs mixed with a touch of protein and an adequate amount of fat.

I had 5 crockpots plugged in, each with a different hot chocolate (Chocolate Ovaltine, Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa Milk Chocolate, Ghirardelli, Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensation packets, and Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate in packets) and we did a taste test. I also had my own recipe in a thermos (see post My Hot Chocolate Recipe) that I let each sister sample. What was amazing, was that the hot chocolate was put in the thermos 12 hours previous to the time we drank it and it was still hot. The Stanley satinlees steel thermos is great..unbreakable! No glass vacuum chamber. I got this one last winter (January or february) at Wal*Mart for $19.97.

I had 5 kinds of GORP for us to sample.

I had activated a few Hot Hands products an hour before the sisters came so they would be nice and hot. These are amazing products. I encourage you to get some for your car and home...97 cents for a pack of 3 of the bigger ones...and 97 cents for a pack of 6 of the smaler ones. If you tend to be cold, you can put one small one in each side of your bra. Truckers and outdoorsmen wear the bigger ones in their shirt pockets.

I told them the story of the children's blizzard of 1888, where my great great uncle died of exposure as a child while attempting to walk home from the one room school house in the worst blizzard of American history. I had the book there and tried to instill in the sisters a healthy fear (caution) of the weather and how it can suddenly turn deadly!

We took a space blanket out of its package, passed it around and Sister Earl wrapped it around herself as an experiment. We learned that it does make you warmer. It reflects radiant heat back into your body!

We learned about what to do to keep warm in a stranded car in a winter storm, and how to keep warm in your house when the furnace is not functioning.

My Hot Chocolate Recipe

Here is what I have every morning in the cold weather. It gives me warmth, energy and happiness. When I first get up, I have my warm lemon water tonic (1/2 squeezed lemon in 2 cups water that I warmed on the stove.). Then an hour later, I have my hot chocolate. Then an hour later, I have my oatmeal. All this takes place before 7 am and then I am ready for the busy morning. (I get up at 5 am or 4 am.)



Joan's Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 cups soy milk
1 level tablespoon Hershey's Cocoa
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of cayenne pepper

I whisk it over a medium flame in my little stainless steel cooking pot until it gets nice and foamy and hot. This is my favorite mug...given to me by Kathy Sanchez when she was my VT last year.

NOTE: There is no added sugar to this recipe. I get enough sweetness from the soy milk. Some folks may prefer to add sweetener to this recipe (like honey, sugar, or stevia, etc.)

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Calories from 1 1/2 cups soy milk: 150 calories
Calories from 1 TBSP. Cocoa: 20 calories

Protein from the soy milk: 10.5 g
Protein from the cocoa: 1 g

Fat from the soy milk: 5.25 g
Fat from the cocoa: .5 g

PLUS...all the wonderful antioxidants in the cocoa and I get 37% of my daily requirement of calcium.

WHAT DOES THIS COST?
My $3.20 box of Hershey's cocoa (8 oz.) has 45 Tablespoon size servings!
Total cost of my mug of hot chocolate: (37 cents worth of soy milk, 7 cents worth of cocoa, 1 cent worth of cinnamon and cayenne.

= 45 cents ! What a deal.

The Art of Bundling Up

I think she must live in Wisconsin.

This is one smart gal (or guy?)! Ready for some time outdoors in the cold!

Dangers in the Home ~ Carbon Monoxide

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

http://www.survival-supply.com/info_pages.php?pages_id=45

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM GOES OFF?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

If no one is feeling ill:

Silence the alarm.

Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.

Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.
If illness is a factor:

Evacuate all occupants immediately.

Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.

Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.

Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM CO POISONING

Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.

Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.

Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

1 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT

Roadside emergency kit: What to carry with you

A few basic items can help you get back on the road quicker(This is from Consumer Reports...see link at bottom of page)This is an excellent article! Any of these items would be a good "Preparedness Christmas" gift



A roadside emergency can happen at any time, whether your car is new or old. A range of problems can cause it, from a tire failure or mechanical breakdown to running out of fuel. At best, it's an annoyance; at worst, it can compromise your safety. Being prepared with a basic emergency kit can increase your safety, reduce stress, and help you get back on the road faster.

Even if you have roadside-assistance coverage or an automobile-club membership with roadside assistance, you usually need access to a phone in order to contact them and you may have to wait on the side of the road for an hour or more before help arrives. That's why we recommend that drivers carry certain items in their vehicle, even if it only gets used for everyday, around-town driving. This basic kit can be supplemented with additional items if you go on a long-distance trip or have to deal with winter weather conditions.

It's also important to make periodic checks on the equipment to ensure it's in working order--that the spare tire is properly inflated, batteries are not discharged, first-aid supplies are current, water is fresh, and food is dry. In addition, be familiar with how each tool works, from the cellular phone to the jack, before you need to use it in an emergency.

BASIC KIT
This kit is intended to aid you in getting help, signaling your car's presence to other motorists, and tackling simple challenges.

Cellular phone.

We don't recommend that you talk on a cell phone while driving, but in an emergency, this can be the single most valuable component of your kit. Keep a car charger handy. This device plugs into the cigarette lighter or other power point in the car and charges the battery of your cell phone. When traveling, it's best to leave your cell phone on and, if applicable, leave the retractable antenna extended. This may shorten the time it takes you to reach 911, if necessary. Emergency tip: If you have to dial 911, remember that your location and phone number aren't always available to an emergency operator when calling from a cell phone. So give the operator your number and any information you have about your location. Ignore any "no service" messages on the phone and try the call anyway. If you have trouble connecting to 911 from inside a car, get out if possible and call from the side of the road. That may help you get a better signal.

First-aid kit.

Choose one that allows you to treat a range of problems, from small cuts or burns to ones that require major bandaging. We also suggest you get familiar with how to use the kit before you need to.

Fire extinguisher.

A car fire can start from something as simple as a wiring short circuit or leaking oil. You should get away from a vehicle that's on fire as quickly as possible. Still, for extra security it's good to keep a fire extinguisher in the car that can be used in any emergency or to quickly dose a small flame that's just begun. The quicker a fire can be put out, the less damage it will cause. Multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguishers are available in a variety of sizes. We recommend carrying a compact unit that's labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC.

Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares.

If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road, it's vital that you give other motorists as much warning of its presence as possible, especially at night. Look for a battery-powered warning light that can be placed far from the vehicle. Reflective hazard triangles and flares are also effective and don't need batteries.
Tire gauge. This should be used on a monthly basis to check the inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire. Because the ambient temperature affects tire pressure, it's also advisable to check the pressure after a significant change in temperature.

Jack and lug wrench.

Almost all vehicles come with these items for changing a tire. Refer to your owner's manual on where they're located in the vehicle and how to use them. Models that come with run-flat tires do not have a spare tire. Run-flat tires can be driven a limited number of miles with little or no air in them. They have very stiff sidewalls, which provide support when the tire is deflated. Click here to learn more about the warning signs of imminent tire failure.

Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit.

For minor punctures, a foam tire sealant can get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Only use it in an emergency, however, as many tire shops will refuse to repair the tire because of the sticky residue these sealants leave inside it. Be sure to choose a sealant that's labeled as non-flammable, and don't consider this a permanent fix. A portable DC-powered air compressor can also be used to inflate a tire--and is especially handy for one that suffers from a slow leak. To fix a puncture, however, you need to have it professionally repaired.

Spare fuses. If you experience an electrical problem, your first check should be for a burned-out fuse. These are easy to check and replace by referring to your owner's manual. Keep an assortment on hand of the proper type for your vehicle.

Jumper cables or a portable battery booster. Jumper cables are easy to use as long as you have a second car available to provide a jump. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions. A portable battery booster eliminates the need for a second car.

Flashlight. This can be critical at night. Choose one that is bright and weatherproof. In addition, a flashlight with a magnet, flexible mounting system, or a stand will free up your hands for other tasks. Also, have extra batteries and a bulb available.


Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags.

Even the simplest jobs can get your hands dirty. Having these on hand will help keep that dirt from getting on your clothes or your vehicle's interior.
Auto-club card or roadside-assistance number. If you belong to an auto club or roadside-assistance program, be sure you have the necessary information in your vehicle.

Disposable flash camera.

Following an accident, this lets you record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles for insurance purposes.

$20 in small bills and change. Keep this available for miscellaneous use. And resist dipping into it for a spontaneous ice cream cone on a hot day.

Pen and pad of paper. This can come in handy for a range of uses, from leaving a note on the windshield should you have to leave your car to jotting down information after an accident.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING For long trips, especially those through remote areas, add these items to your basic emergency kit.

Basic tools.
This includes a set of socket and open-end wrenches, a multi-tip screwdriver, and pliers. This should be enough to perform simple jobs such as changing a lightbulb, tightening battery cables, and so on. Even if you don't know what to do, a Good Samaritan will still need something to work with.

Coolant hose repair kit and tape.
A leaking coolant hose can sideline your vehicle quickly and possibly cause engine damage from overheating. Often, a leaking hose is a simple fix if you have the right items. They can be bought at any major auto-parts store.

Extra clothes and small tarpaulin. Even if all you do is change a tire, these items can help keep your regular clothes clean.

Water and nonperishable emergency food.

Bring enough food and water to sustain you and any passengers for at least a meal, longer for remote areas or in extreme hot/cold regions.

CB radio. If your route will take you into an area where cellular service is spotty, consider a portable or in-car CB radio.

GPS navigation system. This is an optional item, but good to have when traveling to new places.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR WINTER DRIVING

For the cold, wet conditions of winter, you may need additional items in your emergency kit, especially if you travel in remote areas or in severe conditions.

Windshield scraper.

Good visibility is your most important safety item, but persistent snow and ice can build up quickly and make it hard to see. A long-handled, soft-bristled brush can also come in handy.

Tire chains and tow strap.

Familiarize yourself with how to put the chains on your vehicle's tires or attach a tow strap before you need to do it in cold and possibly dark conditions.

Blanket and winter hat.

If you run out of fuel or if your battery dies, the vehicle won't be able to provide heat. A blanket and hat can help keep you warm if you have to wait for a long time in cold conditions.

Chemical hand warmers. These small, inexpensive packets are available at ski shops and sporting-goods stores.

Small folding shovel.

If you get stuck in snow, this can be a vital tool. A folding camping-style shovel will require more digging effort than a longer-handled shovel, but is more convenient to store in the vehicle.

Bag of cat litter. This can help provide some traction on an especially slick road surface.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/auto-parts/roadside-emergency-kit-what-to-carry-with-you-1105/overview/index.htm

Winter Storm Preparedness

Winter Storm Preparedness

With cold weather upon us this week, we are reminded of the possibilites of being in trouble because of wild stormy weather. It was a year ago..November 2008, that my husband and about 30 other teachers were stranded overnight at Lewis Elementary School in Fort Irwin, CA due to a big snow storm that left the roads so impassable the highway patrols closed them down. These folks spent the night sleeping in sleeping bags supplied by the army base. They also enjoyed a gourmet meal cooked on a propane camping stove by one of the army officers.

Here is a very good article about preparing for a winter storm. It is long, but it covers a lot. Please read and re-read this so you feel you really understand it.
What you learn here may save your life or the life of someone you know...or at least make your emergency situation more bearable.

The Winter Storm

http://www.survival-supply.com/info_pages.php?pages_id=16

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:
Freezing Rain
Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Sleet
Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Storm Watch
A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning
Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning
Below freezing temperatures are expected.

```````````````````````

Take Protective Measures
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Include the following in your disaster supplies kit:

~Rock salt to melt ice on walkways.

~Sand to improve traction.

~Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To winterize your car, attend to the following:

Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery terminals clean.

Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.

Ensure the heater and defroster work properly.

Check and repair windshield wiper equipment; ensure proper washer fluid level.

Ensure the thermostat works properly.

Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability.

Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.

Check breaks for wear and fluid levels.

Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.

Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains.

Replace fuel and air filters. Keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.

Dress for the Weather

Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During a Winter Storm
The following are guidelines for what you should do during a winter storm or under conditions of extreme cold:

Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attacka major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.

If a blizzard traps you in the car, keep these guidelines in mind:

Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for res-cue crews.

Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.

Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.

Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.

Get Ready!

A reminder to my sisters....and their families...

~Silver Lakes Ward Relief Society~
P R E P A R E D N E S S N E W S
10:15 on 10-15
Get Ready!

The Great California ShakeOut, a statewide exercise, involving the participation of millions of Californians, in preparation for the inevitable large earthquake in Southern California’s future. will be held October 15 at 10:15 AM.

see dropcoverholdon.org and shakeout.org for more detailed information

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the drill in which they will take action in a manner commensurate with a response to a magnitude 7.8 earthquake along the southern San Andreas Fault.

"Drop, cover, and hold on" is the best course of action during an earthquake drill.
If you are indoors, you are encouraged to drop, cover, and hold on for 60 seconds, starting 10:15 a.m. on Thursday. We in Southern California especially need to prepare ourselves for a large earthquake through regular drills such as this one. Each one of us ought to know what to do before, during and after the Big One when it arrives.

Studies show that in a real emergency, “muscle memory” can help people respond quickly even while the mind is in shock. Studies also show that a large earthquake is expected to hit Southern California in the future.
The Great California ShakeOut will now be held statewide on the third Thursday of October each year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake
By Kayte Deioma, http://golosangeles.about.com/od/latravelplanning/a/EarthquakeTips.htm

Small tremors occur pretty regularly in Southern California, but larger quakes that do damage are much less frequent. However, it doesn't hurt to be prepared in case the next quake strikes during your visit to LA. It's a remote possibility, but it could happen. Here are FEMA's recommendations for surviving an earthquake, with a few additions.

If you are indoors:

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture, window or anything else that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place (i.e. under a desk or in an inside corner).

Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway. Brace yourself on the side with the hinges to avoid the door swinging at you.

Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

DO NOT use the elevators, even if they are working. There may be aftershocks.
If you're in your hotel room, stay there. There are usually aftershocks, and sometimes they may be worse than the original earthquake. Under a desk or in an inside corner of your room is the safest place to be, even if you're on the 40th floor.

If you are in a restaurant, get under the table.


If outdoors

Stay there.

Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle

Pull over to the side of the road and stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. (Guide Note: an earthquake while you're driving feels like there's something wrong with your car. Don't stop in the middle of the freeway if traffic is still moving around you. Slow down and put on your turn signal to get to the side of the road. If everyone else is doing the same thing, it was most likely an earthquake.)
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Things to pack that can help you survive an earthquake:

A crank radio or battery operated radio, including MP3 players with radio. They don't take up much room and if the power goes out, you will be able to get current information.

A small flashlight in case the power goes out.

Travel snacks like granola bars, beef jerky and trail mix in case you're stuck in one place for a while.

Water. You can't pack it if you're flying, but keep a couple bottles in your hotel room once you settle in, and in your rental car if you have one.