Emergency preparation and pinochle DO mix in this deck of earthquake tip playing cards
I laughed out loud when a friend presented me with these earthquake prep playing cards. (She also gave me a deck of cards featuring celebrity mug shots for our monthly poker games – ha!) Apart from the humor, though, these cards are a brilliant idea.
Think about it: Preparation is not just about what we do, like storing water and making a communications plan. It’s also about what we know so that we can take the right actions in an emergency. And what keeps learning easier than making a game of it?
This deck of playing cards, available from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, contains, as the box says, “54 Lifesaving Earthquake Safety Tips,” one on each card.
So while you’re savoring your royal flush, the queen of hearts reminds you that you should never turn the gas on again after you’ve turned it off, but let the utility company do it. Or while the kids are waiting to slap down a card during a lazy game of Go Fish, the two of diamonds teaches that the best way to sterilize water is by boiling it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Even though the focus is on earthquake safety, many of these tips are useful for all kinds of emergencies, and earthquake facts appeal to many people who do not live in earthquake-prone areas. Why not toss a pack of earthquake safety tips playing cards in your summer suitcase, and add a little learning to your fun and games?