I've been through several earthquakes,including the Northridge trembler and several firestorms. People may or may not return to an intact home. Even if it is partially damaged, authorities may not allow reentry or only limited access for personal belongings. Any and all documents should be stored in a fireproof box. Label it for reference, but not birth certificates, insurance etc. If you suffer a burglary, small locked security boxes are often taken. Label it family photos. Local phone service will be impacted by emergency services or local damage. What If your immediate family is seperated in the city? The best plan is to have a friend or relative living in another area or even state to act as a clearing house. All family members can call with their location and situation. I was able to do this successfully in both situations by calling a relative in Wa. State. Pets and livestock are another emotional concern. Animals must be tagged with an I.D. and have a ready carrier available for evacuation. Leather collars are preferable for safety. During the Malibu fire, I held a horse in kneedeep surf while a DVM cut away a melted nylon halter from the suffering animal's face. Wild animals are present in urban areas; coyotes,raccoons, possums, squirrels,rodents. They will be fleeing also and are more unpredictable than usual. If you don't have an item, do not assume the hardware store will be accomadating. I was working at one during the Northridge Quake. Flashlights and batteries were strictly rationed to one per customer-before they ran out. Price gouging was rampant by private parties and retail outlets. The sad phenomenon of Road rage and general discourtesy are magnified 1000 fold. There will be no police probably no working signals and a 'me first' attitude. You will probably start thinking of relocating to the country.A friend who lived in the apartments that collapsed with fatalities did. His new home in Arkansas was destroyed by a Tornado a few years later. <br><br>