Earthquake Preparedness Kit: What to Include

building destroyed by earthquake

A major earthquake can happen at any time and without warning. That is why it is important to talk to your family about disaster preparedness and to have at least a basic earthquake kit ready to go. This kit should include basic supplies for you and your family members, as well as supplies for your pets. Now we will discuss the different items that you should include in your earthquake survival kit.

Basic Guidelines

The first thing you should do is create a safety plan. This safety plan should include things like where to meet up with your family members in case of an earthquake, what to do if your house starts to collapse, and knowing where in your house is most susceptible to earthquake damage. It is also important to pick a safe location outside of your home where everyone can meet up.

Once you have created your safety plan, it is time to start gathering survival supplies for your emergency kit. The basic guidelines of essential items for an emergency supply kit are as follows:

  • Food and water
  • Medical supplies
  • Hygiene supplies
  • Clothing
  • Tools and safety supplies
  • Miscellaneous items (important documents, baby supplies, pet supplies)
  • A kit for your car

We will go into more detail about each of these items below. All items should be stored in a sturdy air-tight container that can be easily carried.

Food

One of the most important things to include in your earthquake kit is food. You should have enough non-perishable food to last you and your family members for at least three days. Some good items to include are canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruit.

Don’t forget a manual can opener. You can also get a camping stove or a solar oven to cook food.

Refresh your food items every six months.

Water

You should have enough emergency drinking water to last each person for three days. The recommended water supply is one gallon of water per person, per day. It is a good idea to store bottled water, water pouches, as well as gallon jugs of water that you can use to refill bottles.

Water purification tablets are also a good idea to include in your earthquake preparedness kit. This way, if you run out of clean water, you can purify water from a natural source.

Water filters are another option to consider. There are many different types of water filters on the market, so do some research to find one that best suits your needs.

Medical Supplies

A first aid kit is extremely helpful. You should have first aid kit supplies for basic injuries, such as bandages, gauze pads, safety pins, and adhesive tape. You should also pack supplies for more serious injuries, such as a tourniquet and CPR mask.

Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications that you or your family members take regularly. It is also a good idea to include over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and anti-diarrheal medication.

Hygiene Supplies

You should also include a hygiene kit with personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, and soap.

It is important to stay clean during an emergency situation, as this will help prevent the spread of disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more information on how to stay healthy during a disaster.

Feminine hygiene products are also a good idea to pack, as they can be hard to find during an emergency.

Clothing

Make sure your kit includes extra clothing and shoes. You should have at least one change of clothes for each person, as well as a pair of sturdy shoes.

A sewing kit can be used to repair clothing or other items.

Power Outage Concerns

In case there is a power outage, you will need to include emergency supplies like candles, waterproof matches, glow sticks, and a flashlight in your earthquake kit. You should also have extra batteries on hand in case the power is out for an extended period of time. A hand-crank flashlight is a good option to consider, as it does not require batteries.

You can buy power packs that can recharge your electronic devices, such as your phone or laptop. These are a good idea to have in case you need to stay in touch with family members or emergency services, as you may not have access to a regular phone charger.

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A battery-powered or crank radio will help you stay up-to-date on the latest news and weather reports. An NOAA weather radio is the best option, as it will notify you of any weather alerts in your area.

Tools and Safety Supplies

In addition to medical and hygiene supplies, you should also have several tools and safety supplies in your earthquake kit. This includes items like duct tape, gloves, a whistle, a multi-tool, a knife, and a dust mask.

Again, all survival kits should contain extra batteries as they are particularly helpful in the event of an emergency. They can be used for flashlights, radios, and other electronic devices.

Tools to turn off gas and water lines are also a good idea to have on hand. These can be found at most hardware stores.

Fire starting supplies, such as a lighter and fire starters, as well as a fire extinguisher, are smart to have.

A waterproof tarp can be used to create a shelter or to keep supplies dry. A tube tent is another option to consider. Plastic sheeting is another option, but it can be difficult to find during an emergency.

It is also important to have emergency contact information for local authorities handy. A paper map of your area is also a good idea, in case you need to evacuate and become lost.

Miscellaneous Items

There are a few other miscellaneous items that you should include in your earthquake kit.

Trash bags can be used for sanitation purposes or to carry supplies.

If you have an infant or small child, you will need to pack diapers and wipes. You should also have a supply of formula and baby food, as well as bottles and pacifiers.

Don’t forget to pack pet food and supplies, as well as any medications your pet takes regularly.

It is also a good idea to have some cash on hand in case ATMs are not working.

Important personal documents, such as your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate, should also be kept in a waterproof bag.

Sleeping bags and emergency blankets are a good idea to have, as they can provide warmth and comfort in an emergency. Mylar sleeping bags are a good option, as they are lightweight and can be easily carried.

A Kit for Your Car

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it is a good idea to have a kit for your car. This kit should include items like food, water, medical and hygiene supplies, and tools and safety supplies. You can get a survival kit small enough to fit in your glove box or trunk.

Some extra items to include in your car kit are jumper cables, a basic first-aid kit, an emergency blanket, flares, and a tire patch kit.

It is also important to keep a spare set of keys in your car in case you are unable to get into your house after an earthquake.

Extra Things to Consider

There are a few extras that you should keep in mind when preparing for an earthquake.

First, it is important to keep a pair of shoes near your bed so you can quickly get out of the house if necessary. Broken glass and other debris can be a hazard, so it is important to have shoes that will protect your feet.

Additionally, it is important to know the structural issues of your house and what to do if they occur during an earthquake.

Remember the earthquake safety drill “drop, cover, and hold on!” This means that you should drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk, and hold on to something sturdy until the earthquake stops.

Finally, it is a good idea to have a meet-up location with your family members in case you are unable to get home after an earthquake.

Pre-made Kits

If you don’t have time to put together your complete earthquake bag, there are many pre-made kits with basic emergency supplies included available on the market. Do some research to find the best one for your needs.

They are available at most hardware stores and online.

Final Thoughts

We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about what to include in your earthquake preparedness kit. Remember, the most important thing when an earthquake strikes is to be prepared and stay safe!

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