Earthquake prevention kit

If carrying an umbrella is a sure way to keep it from raining, and washing your car is a sure way to make it rain, I have just postponed the next big earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I bought an earthquake preparedness kit. It has water, dehydrated food, a tool to turn off the gas, tarpaulin, tent, sleeping bags, lantern, portable radio, work gloves, and even a binder for writing down emergency phone numbers (not that the phones would work after the Big One.) It comes in a weatherproof deck box and is securely installed a safe distance from our house (in case of residential collapse or fire).

It is so cool and I feel so totally prepared. I don't mind giving a plug to the folks who put it together -- Disaster Survival Solutions of South San Francisco (www.qrcenter.com).

The only thing left to put in is a bottle of gin and a six pack of tonic. Oh, and cups -- can't forget the cups.

So here's a toast to never needing to use it!