Our version of the damage caused by hurricane Katrina in 2005 is considered by many to be the result of a major earthquake.  Instead of thinking about preparing for a disaster, which can seem overwhelming, think instead about planning for an extended camping trip.  Where do you get water?  How much food do you need?  What kind of food lasts without refrigeration?  What will you do for shelter?  How long will your camping experience last?  There are several simple things you can do to get prepared for natural disasters (which ultimately may involve camping on your front lawn or in a park, if your house or apartment is uninhabitable), and in the process, you can help yourself be prepared for other emergencies that may also arise.  Please note, the following information is neither all-inclusive, nor intended to be a definitive list of all the resources you should have on-hand in an emergency.  However, they're some of the most commonly ignored emergency items, and they're fairly simple to obtain.  Whatever you do, just don't store this stuff in a place that might collapse or be impossible to reach if the unthinkable happens.

• Water - A case of 35 half liter bottles can supply a family of four with enough water to meet their needs for one day.  This includes using the water to hydrate food (like boiling pasta) and to quench thirst.  The cases range from a little over $5 to $10 each.  If you store them in a place where you're likely to drink at least one bottle per day, you can rotate through a case per month and have an on-going cost of $5 to $10 per month.  A simple way to get started:  buy two cases per month for twelve months  Begin drinking one case per month immediately.  Then, after the twelfth month, just buy one case per month to replace what you drink and to keep the water fresh.  Many sites recommend having a two-week supply of water on-hand.  The recommendations typically are based on one gallon of water per day, per person in the household.  Note:  Soda and other similar beverages do not count! 
• Food - There is the canned food route, and the freeze-dried food route.  There are many sites devoted to saving certain types of food for a disaster.   Canned food is all you need, so don't be deceived into thinking you need a lot of money to store food.  You can store a couple of cans each month, and as long as you watch the expiration dates (and keep a can-opener handy), you can end up with a nice little store of food for when you need it.  However, for ease, as long as you have a camp stove, a pan, and access to water, it's nice to have freeze-dried food on-hand.  A hot meal in a disaster (or when camping) is a real mood booster, and there are some really tasty freeze-dried foods on the market.  We receive no compensation for listing this site (though they should contact us about advertising - we'll make them a sweet deal!), but we've tried several kinds of freeze-dried foods and Mountain House really is the best.
• Shelter - At least get a sleeping bag and a tent, if you can afford it.    You'll need protection from the elements if your house is damaged.
• Human Process - Get a five gallon bucket and some kitty litter along with toilet paper and alcohol gel rub - like Purell, found at the grocery store.  You may want a couple of pieces of wood to sit on.   It's grim, but few sites list this, and you'll need it.  Given the right event, your toilet may not work.  Don't take this for granted.
• Kids - Get a second version of your child's favorite stuffed animal.  If you lose the favorite stuffed animal in a disaster, it will help your child to have a spare.
• Emergency Radio - The Radio Shack Dynamo Emergency Crank Radio is the best radio we've ever tested.  It's compact, doesn't need batteries, can charge a cell phone, and has excellent radio reception.  This radio is worth every penny of the price.  We didn't get paid to say this.  We bought several.  It works.  It's the best.

Here are some other links to follow for more information:

• An Easy-To-Understand Website for Family Preparedness
• An Easy-To-Understand Website for Business Preparedness
• An Easy-To-Understand Website for People with Disabilities
• King County Office of Emergency Management  This is a decent site to help you get started with your emergency planning.  It's a first step.
• Department of Homeland Security  This is also a decent site to help you get started with your emergency planning.  Again, first step items.
• Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management  There are lists and ideas for getting organized here.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency  FEMA has a wealth of information and free materials that you can order or download.  One of the best free manuals you can receive is FEMA's guide to Citizen Preparedness "Are You Ready."  It's a fabulous free resource.

It took the federal government and state of Louisiana ten days or more to get to reach everyone after Katrina.  Remember, our transportation system in the Puget Sound region is comprised of bridges, overpasses, and ferry terminals.  You will likely be on your own for several days or more.  The right earthquake could separate you from your family, so don't forget to think about having some supplies and walking shoes in your car.