[jyl]

So I've decided to get serious about earthquake precautions. Here in Portland we're supposedly long overdue for a Beeeg One.

No city in the Pacific Northwest is remotely ready for it, almost all the bridges across the river will come down, thousands of unreinforced masonry buildings will come down, tens of thousands of houses will be damaged, the city's emergency equipment yard is located right underneath a freeway overpass . . .

The word is that after the Beeeg One, we should expect to receive no outside help for a month. Or more. Maybe this is overdramatic. I lived not too far from the Northridge 1994 quake, it wasn't a calamity thought my chimney was damaged. But still . . .

So far, I have
1. Hired a guy to bolt my house to the foundation. House is 1911, three story wood frame, detached garage, mudsills rest on foundation walls/no cripple wall, beams and joists rest on mudsills and basement posts, none of these connections are maintained by anything other than gravity. They are installing Simpson Strong Tie URFP retrofit foundation plates every 4 to 5 feet about the perimeter of the foundation. They say my foundation walls are in great condition.
2. I will install seismic/hurricane ties to connect beams and joists to their supports. Anyone done this and have pictures?
3. Water heater is strapped already. I will install water and gas shutoffs - recommendations?
4. Earthquake insurance. Any tips for shopping, coverage?
5. Food, water, emergency supplies. Any recommendations - what to store, how much?
6. Of course there will be some spoons and spoon food.

Looking for words of counsel - what else should I be doing?