Earthquake Preparation: How To Make an Emergency Kit

According to estimates, the next fifty years will see a surge in earthquake activity around the world. While countries lying on the tectonic plates may be more susceptible to the shifting earths crust, other nations will also feel the effect. If you are one who either lives on or around areas that are prone to frequent quakes, it is best to have an emergency preparedness kit on hand for when the next earthquake will strike. Below are steps of what all to include in your kit.

Step 1: Pack Ample Water

We need water to survive, so make sure you have enough packed in your emergency kit. A simple number to stick to is one gallon per individual per day. If you have pets, keep some extra for them. You need to have at least 3 days supply per person in your household, which would include two quarts for drinking, and an addition two for sanitation/food preparation. Do not store water for more than six months at a time, replacing the old water with new after that period. It is best to store it in plastic containers, instead of glass or milk cartons.

Step 2: Pack Enough Food

You need to have enough food to last at least three days for your family. The best options include canned vegetables, fruits, meats, soup, milk, juices, granola bars, crackers, jelly, peanut butter, vitamin supply, tea bags, coffee, cereals, candy, cookies, and pet food. Make sure to pack any special needs/adult and infant food, if required. Avoid items such as dry beans, pasta, rice which need a lot of water to prepare, and avoid all those items that increase thirst. Make sure you replace this food supply once a year, keeping an eye on the expiry dates.

Step 3: First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is necessary and best you either purchase one or prepare one. It will require some essentials, including adhesive bandages, safety pins, cleansing soap/agent, latex gloves, sterile gauze pads (2 and 4 inch), triangular bandages, painkillers, antacid, laxatives, anti-diarrhea, roller bandages, tweezers, scissors, moistened towelettes, thermometer, lubricant and tongue blades.

Step 4: Essential Supplies

Other essential supplies and tools you will need to pack would include disposable paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, battery operated radio, flashlight with batteries, travelers checks or cash, utility knife, small fire extinguisher, tape, pliers, aluminum foil, signal flare, thread, needles, pencil, paper, medicine dropper, wrench and storage containers made of plastic.

Step 5: Sanitary Items  

For sanitation purposes, make sure you have packed feminine supplies, liquid detergent, soap, toilet paper, garbage bags, plastic bucket, disinfectant, pet waste bags, and chlorine bleach used in households.

Step 6: Bedding and Documentation

You will need to pack sleeping bags, or blankets, rain gear, work boots (you may need to keep them near your bed), warm clothing, and sunglasses. Other important documents would include stocks and bonds, contract deeds, insurance policies, will, immunization records, social security cards, passports, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, important telephone numbers, family records including birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates.

All the items can be packed in a sturdy container, large enough to accommodate all and then placed somewhere where it will remain safe, such as an outdoor shed. That way you can easily access its items when required.