Many parts of the U.S. are “fault zones,” which means they are prone to serious earthquakes. This includes the Central United States and the West Coast. While large earthquakes are uncommon, small earthquakes can also be destructive and dangerous. To survive an earthquake, you need to prepare for it, which is why you need an earthquake kit. Here are tips on how to put together an earthquake kit:
Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your supplies should include emergency food and water, first aid kits, and tools. You should store supplies that can last at least three days. You should also have a list of useful information, such as emergency contacts, important medical information, and insurance information. Additionally, you should gather vital documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and medical paperwork. All these items should be kept in a safe location like a waterproof or fireproof safe.
Critical Supplies
Your supplies should include:
- Water supply (no less than a gallon per day for each member of your household)
- Non-perishable food and a can opener (3 days’ supply, at least)
- Enough water and food for your pets to last for 3 days or more
- Prescription medication
- Power packs for your phones
- Flashlight for each room and extra batteries
- Cash
- Copies of personal documents
- Extra pairs of your glasses
- Whistle
- Swiss Army knife
Make sure to renew your supplies every six months.
Best Earthquake Foods
You should opt for food that won’t increase your thirst, as well as food that can be opened and served with ease, such as:
- Ready-to-eat canned veggies, fruits, and meats
- Canned soup, milk, juices
- Sugar, salt, pepper
- Dried fruit, trail mix, granola bars
- Sweetened cereals
- Cracker, jelly, peanut butter
- Teabags, instant coffee, hard candy, cookies
According to Ready.gov, refrigerated food is safe to eat in the first four hours of a power blackout.
First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit at home can help you reduce the severity of injuries and infection risks. Your first aid kit should include the following:
- All sizes of adhesive bandages
- All sizes of butterfly closures
- Gauze roll and a gauze pad
- Tape roll
- Foil blankets
- Scissors
- Glow sticks/flashlight
- Examination gloves
- Instant cold pack
- Acetaminophen or Aspirin
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic cream
- Alcohol pads
- Body warmer
- Burn cream
- Eyewash
- Cotton swabs
- Tongue depressors/ finger splints
- Antiseptic towelettes
- List of household member’s doctors, medications, medical history, insurer, and contact persons
Tools and Appliances
You should have tools and appliances that can help you heat water, mend broken appliances, and turn off gas or water. Your tools should include:
- Duct tape
- Pliers, knife, and scissors
- Matches
- Fire extinguisher
- Work gloves
- Local maps (paper)
- Sterno
- Water purification tablets
- Waterproof or water-resistant tarp that you can use as a shelter, to contain debris, or to shield your property and your family from the elements
Communication Supplies
When power is off, radio waves could be your only way of receiving information. An AM/FM battery-powered radio is therefore essential during emergencies.
Emergency Supplies for Your Car
An earthquake may strike while you’re driving or at work. Therefore, you need an emergency kit in your car and workplace. Your kit should include:
- ½ full fuel tank
- Three days’ water supply
- Three days’ non-perishable food supply
- First aid kit
- Batteries and flashlights
- Fire extinguisher
- Toilet tissue
- Sleeping bag or solar blanket
- Change of clothes and shoes
You should have water, food, and supplies that can last 3 days or more. Importantly, you need to have earthquake insurance that will adequately protect your property. Contact Hoffman Brown Company today for earthquake insurance that will adequately cover your home and belongings if an earthquake strikes.
