Best Way to Prepare for the Big One

You know it's coming -- that inevitable moment when a couple of big San Andreas fault spurs interlock, struggle, and release their pent-up anger in the form of an earthquake. Not some piddly 4.2, but something on the order of 1906's 8.3, arguably the worst natural disaster in American history. Readiness is all, and the best way to attain it is with a visit to the Red Cross. The San Francisco chapter offers preparedness classes as well as pamphlets and manuals on earthquake safety, plus instructions on how to put together your own earthquake-survival kit (flashlight, batteries, fresh water, dehydrated food, waterproof matches, and the like). Donations are appreciated and well deserved.