The Cultured Girl

Perhaps it’s their unpredictable nature, or because I grew up in hurricane-prone Texas, but ever since I moved to San Francisco I’ve had a strange fascination with earthquakes. The only problem was, while I could easily name the deadliest earthquake in history (Shaanxi, China; 1556) or the number of big quakes in California since 1700 (76), up until last week I could not say I was the least bit prepared if “Big One” hit.

Thank goodness for Target–the only retailer I know that could make emergency preparedness both hip and affordable. I briefly considered putting together a kit myself, but Target’s stylish pack is pretty hard to beat at $30. Created in partnership with the Red Cross, it contains most of the essential gear–everything from tweezers to a radio–you’ll need in the event of an emergency (it also comes with a list of necessary items not included). Plus, if you order by the end of August, Target will donate $10 from your purchase to the Red Cross.