How to Make an Earthquake Safety Kit

You hear a rumble and then feel the lurch. It's an earthquake. Are you prepared? A basic earthquake safety kit is critical for anyone who lives in earthquake territory. Most emergency response teams are clear--you're likely to be on your own for at least 72 hours, so spend some time building a safety kit. It is relatively simple to create and maintain a safety net for you and your family should the Big One strike.

Instructions

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      Ensure that your basic first aid needs can be met. Create a first aid kit with basic supplies including bandages, splint, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, analgesics and any essential medications. Add a blanket in case of shock and an extra set of tweezers to manage any splinters. Put in a whistle to call for help if the person is very badly injured.

    • 2

      Gather some canned food and a can opener. The food should last your family or just you for three days. Include one can meals, like soup or chili and remember to add canned pet food if you have a pet.

    • 3

      Just add water. Include 3 gallons for each person in your family. You don't need to assume water for bathing as that is likely optional if the water has been turned off. Store drinking water only.

    • 4

      Add extra clothes. You'll want to make sure that you have warm clothes for each member of the family in case you end up sleeping outside. Store sweatshirts, padded gloves, tennis shoes, socks and long pants. Include rain gear. Earthquakes don't have a typical weather pattern, so they are as likely in November as July. Make sure that you have a few ponchos and some weatherproof gear to keep you as dry as possible.

    • 5

      Make sure you have some cash. Keep in mind that ATM and credit card systems will likely be down for some time. Make sure that you have an emergency stash of cash to pay for basic supplies if you run low.

    • 6

      Keep a sheet that lists emergency information for each person in the kit. Include each person's date of birth, medical conditions and medications. Include on the list an out of area contact's phone number to facilitate emergency communication when local lines go down.

    • 7

      Include a flashlight, hand-crank radio and extra flashlight batteries. Make sure that you know the frequency for emergency broadcasts and can operate the radio.

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