As we mourn the Haitian tragedy, I urge us all to consider what we are going to do in the face of a disaster.

It’s important that we all have an out-of-state contact to report to when a disaster happens. This allows someone out of state to keep track of everyone’s safety and whereabouts–and allows a convenient place for other family members to find out if you’re alright.

For those of us who live in earthquake territory, let’s gather an earthquake kit. SF Gate has a good, exhaustive earthquake list. Be sure to consider and educate your loved ones with the best behavior during an earthquake. And, equally importantly, remember to keep extra pet food and water in the earthquake kit, too. The company of a pet is as comforting as any comfort food, and keeps giving. Check out this list of how pet and service animal owners should prepare for an earthquake–it includes some tips and instructions you might not think of.

And keep on eye on those pet friends! It’s long been supposed to dogs and cats (and snakes and birds and …) can sense earth quakes. Check out this video of a dog bolting before the Arcata earthquake hit last week.