OutdoorDad,

You don't say if you live in any of those specific places that suffer floods, volcanoes or excessive snow, but here in the PNW we're all exposed to earthquake and power outages. If you are in a flood zone or volcano zone you need to be prepared to evacuate, but most folks need to be prepared to shelter in place, and for that its simply a matter of multiplying your own needs and accomodating differences in diet and other needs for toddlers. If you're not in a flood or lahar zone, work on stockpiling adequate food, medical, water and warmth (clothing, sleeping bags) sufficient to get your family through at least a week without power (we were 9 days without power in the Dec 2006 blow, and we're only 25 blocks south of Puget Sound Energy HQ). Keeping a tent shelter or two can work out well in the event your house isn't habitable. The local 3 Days 3 Ways is pretty good for this, and can be adapted for just a bit longer before help may arrive.

If you anticipate being on the move, consider that you'll need to keep everyone warm, fed, watered and dry, and besides a vehicle consider a wagon or other wagon like conveyance (Home Depot sells a swell wagon with sides designed for moving stuff around your garden). This is probably the most remote type of preparation you need to make, but you won't go as far or as long carrying as you would pulling your kids along. Most of all though you should have a plan for where to go, and places to stop before you get there. Others may disagree with me here, but if you have to bug out from your home, a likely first destination for a young family with three toddlers is whatever Red Cross shelter can be found - not to stay there indefinitely, but to find a warm bed and communications with the outside world, where you can arrange your next step evacuating yourself from the area.

For kids especially, pack some small toys and animals to keep them busy and somewhat happy in case you are displaced. Double up on their outdoor coats, and pay attention to a good waterproof layer, pants and coat (it rains anytime here). Trust your wife as to number of underwear etc, then double it. Kid snacks as well - my younguns have no interest in my food, they want snack crackery type food.

I would also focus quite a bit on sanitation, both handwashing and keeping fairly clean. Where there are kids there are dirty diapers, which makes for some uncomfortable dining situations unless you are prepared with adequate supplies of hand wash and the rigor to use it. Preparation is a good excuse to get your kids in the habit of washing their hands now, so its not such a struggle when the power blinks off and they don't have the comfort of warm water to wash up with.

Your kids may be too young for school but if they are in daycare ask what their emergency plan is - and if they don't have one, volunteer to organize one. If you are like alot of folks you can be 30 miles from home during the day and would be unable to get to your kids for a day or two following a 9.0 shake. Talk to your neighbors and see if they are interested in shared child care in case you are away or injured. And make sure the daycare has an accurate and up to date list of folks they can release your kids to - if a relative could pick up your kids and get them home that's probably better all around than keeping them at a daycare facility.