Earthquakes are prevalent in many parts of the U.S. While scientists can identify fault zones, it is virtually impossible to predict when an earthquake might occur. Therefore, you should always stay prepared for an earthquake regardless of where you are. To this end, you should have an earthquake preparation kit in your car at all times, even when away from home. This is important because, in case this disaster strikes, you will have the basic supplies to keep you safe away from home.
Earthquake Survival Checklist
On average, about 16 major earthquakes occur in the U.S. every year, causing property damage, bodily injuries, and even fatalities. Earthquake damage can make accessing critical services and goods difficult or impossible. This is where a disaster kit comes in handy. For instance, if you find yourself in a situation where roads are impassable, you can use the supplies in your disaster kit to survive until it’s safe to drive again. With the right supplies, you can turn a dire situation into a survivable one. Therefore, it is important to have a well-stocked emergency kit. The kit should contain enough essential items to sustain you for at least 72 hours after a disaster. Here is an earthquake survival checklist for your emergency kit:
- Drinking water
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Portable hand-crank or battery-powered radio
- Ready-to-eat foods enough for at least three days
- First-aid kit
- Medications such as pain relievers
- Phone charger
- Power bank
- Whistle
- Local map
- Toiletries
- Money
- Suitable clothing
- Warm blankets
Additional Tips to Prepare for an Earthquake Away from Home
While an earthquake preparation kit increases your survival chances, you need additional knowledge for safety purposes. Having the right skills will enable you to overcome different challenges associated with earthquakes. Basic first aid skills are especially important because you need these skills to use your first aid kit appropriately. If, for example, your car overturns due to the tremors injuring your leg, you should be able to use the items in your first-aid kit, including plasters and gauze dressing, to stop bleeding, and prevent further injury. Other important preparation tips include:
- Have a feasible emergency plan
- Be conversant with disaster relief centers within your locality
- Have emergency contact details of the local weather department
If you are driving when an earthquake occurs, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends doing the following:
- Move your car quickly yet safely away from utility poles, overhead wires, buildings, trees, bridges, and other structures.
- Turn the engine off, set the parking brake, and stay in the car regardless of the shaking.
- Turn on the radio to receive important updates from the weather department.
- If the shaking subsides, drive carefully to a safe place. If roads are impassable and there’s no one to help you, call for help using your phone, radio, or whistle.
In case you are in a crowded place, such as a movie theatre, don’t rush for the door as you may get injured in the stampede. Instead, move away from shelves and walls that contain display items that may fall on you. Also, protect your head using your arms or anything available. Once the shaking is over, walk out while carefully watching for anything that can fall.
How Hoffman Brown Company Can Help
For extra protection, you need an earthquake insurance policy that can adequately protect your property in the event of an earthquake. Contact Hoffman Brown Company to get started on your customized policy today!
