Speaking of widespread earthquake devastation, Japan's 8.9 earthquake is a strong reminder that, yes, you really do need an earthquake kit. Seriously. After the Loma Prieta earthquake, an estimated 12,000 Bay Area residents found themselves "displaced permanently or temporarily." Homes that remained intact experienced no water, electricity and phone service for days. The Chronicle has a comprehensive list of things you need during a quake - i.e., water, food, first-aid kit, tools, supplies, sanitation, clothes, bedding, and documents - which you should look over immediately. more ›

This morning's 6.8 earthquake that followed yesterday's 7.6 shaker in Indonesia is the perfect opportunity to remind you to, please, get ready for the next big earthquake that will hit the Bay Area. No one knows when it will happen, but it will. Sooner rather than later, if we had to guess.

How can you get ready? Easy. Start by checking out 72hours.org. They can tell you what you will need to do for pre- and post-earthquake preparation.

However, the simplest way to start getting ready for the next big one is by making
an emergency kit. 72hours can also tell you how to do it.

After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily. Your basic emergency kit should include: * Water - one gallon per person per day

* Food - ready to eat or requiring minimal water

* Manual can opener and other cooking supplies

* Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies

* First Aid kit & instructions

* A copy of important documents & phone numbers

* Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.

* Heavy work gloves

Oh, and here are some tips from the NERT (National Neighborhood Emergency Response Team), care of Ed Chu of the San Francisco Fire department. It's not the most entertaining bit of footage you'll see this year, but could be the most important. (Quick quiz: how many gallons of water per person is recommended for the 72 hour period after an earthquake? Five!) more ›

An earthquake registering 3.2 hit the East Bay this morning, located five miles south of Antioch. The quake happened four hours ager a smaller 3.1 quake hit Reno last night.. more ›