What’s In My Bag: Coronavirus & Earthquake Edition

Our “stay home” self-isolation plans were knocked off the rocker when a 5.5 magnitude earthquake rocked Zagreb early Sunday morning. To give you an idea of how unlikely an earthquake of that size is to hit a place like this, it’s been 140 years since the last one. Let’s not forget about the country-wide mandated lockdown that was going on at the same time.

As a California native, this wasn’t my first earthquake rodeo, but those around me were scared. And that’s an understatement. Many were left wondering what was going on, if they had drank one glass of wine too many last night, and for the first time in recent events, were forced to get the f*ck outside.

Long story short, there were a total of 73 earthquakes in the following two days (a dozen of which were above a 3.0 and let’s just say buildings here aren’t designed for this). So, being the anal and overprepared woman that I am, I packed an emergency bag with as many essentials as I could think of and left it by the door. 

You never know what life’s about to bring you, even in times like these, so I wanted to share what was in my bag. 

(I packed this in case I’d have to go stay with a friend for a few days or get out of town.)

Important Documents and Cash

I put together a folder of my birth certificate, passport and my checkbook. After the first aftershock, I ran over to the nearest ATM and withdrew $200 worth of cash. I figured this was enough for a taxi ride to get me out of town if I needed to leave. Don’t take out too much, because it can leave others without any. I also packed my everyday wallet.

Mini First Aid Kit

Pretty basic: bandaids, a travel pack of pain meds, scizzors (a utility pocket knife is better) and with the Coronavirus outbreak, plenty of hand sanitizer and a mask. Before you get on me about who should and shouldn’t wear a mask, know that some local stores and pharmacies will not allow you inside without one. 

Toiletries

I kid you not, one of the first items I grabbed was my menstrual cup. Due to the current pandemic, I didn’t even want to think about having to pick up pads or tampons and had heard from my girlfriends that they were on backorder. I personally have the Lily Cup Compact, which lasts up to 10 years and only has to be changed every 8 hours during menstruation. Besides that, I grabbed my toothbrush, hair bands, and a comb. 

Electronics

Laptop of course. Chargers of course. And my power converter since I’m living abroad. Oh, and headphones. Phone is a given. If I were “home home” I’d also grab my *precharged* power bank. 

Water and Snacks

Just a small ziplock filled with trail mix and pretzels, enough to substitute a meal.

Clothes

On top of all the madness, on this particular morning in Zagreb it started snowing. The following few days were below freezing, so I packed the following clothing items:

• Gloves
• Beanie
• Puffy Jacket (that can be rolled up into a little sleeve, pretty nifty!)
• Sports bra and 3 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of socks
• Sweaters and sweatpants
• Tennis shoes (tied to my backpack in case I needed to run out the door)

Something Special

Whatever god you do or don’t believe in, grab some small token that will remind you that there are better days ahead; a picture, piece of jewelry, book, rosary, etc.

What I’ve learned through all of this is that when you think things can’t get any worse, they certainly can, but there is a light at the end of the long tunnel. Our experiences are all relative and you can never be too prepared. Hug your loved ones, don’t drunkenly text your ex, and make sure you know where your *real* essentials are.