Bottom Line: Building a disaster preparedness kit for your home or business is a fast and easy way to get better prepared for an earthquake, fire, or other natural disaster.

Living in earthquake country means that the next potential natural disaster is only a moment away. Assembling a kit that has at least three days of food, water, and supplies for every family member is one part of being ready. In a large disaster, it is likely emergency personnel will be overwhelmed with duties and unable to help everyone immediately.

The "SMC Ready" program is part of the County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) which is funded through a Joint Powers Agreement between the 20 incorporated cities and the County of San Mateo. The SMC Ready program has a great website that provides tips and resources for businesses, households and communities in the event of an emergency.