Earthquakes are sudden, violent shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of tectonic plates. They can cause widespread destruction and injury, so it’s important to be prepared for such an event. Having an emergency earthquake kits ready for when disaster strikes is essential for being able to survive and recover from such a calamity. Here are some basics you should include in your emergency earthquake kit.
First, let’s start with the basics: water, food, and shelter. You should always have at least three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food on hand in case of an emergency. If you have pets, don’t forget to include enough food and water for them as well. As for shelter, a tent or tarp can provide much-needed protection from the elements.
Next, let’s talk about clothes. You should have a change of clothes for each person in your family, including extra socks, underwear, and a jacket. It’s also a good idea to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes in case you have to evacuate on foot.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to some other items that can be helpful in an emergency situation. A flashlight is a must, as is a radio so you can stay up-to-date on the latest news and weather reports. A whistle can be used to signal for help if you’re trapped, and a first aid kit will come in handy if anyone is injured. Finally, don’t forget to pack important documents like your driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information.
Essentials
The most important items you’ll need in your kit are basic survival essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies. Make sure that you have enough non-perishable food and water in your emergency kit to last at least three days per person in case of an emergency situation. Include items such as canned goods, energy bars, instant oatmeal packets, bottled water, and other high-energy snacks that don’t require any cooking or refrigeration. Also make sure to include a first aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes/spray, tweezers and scissors.
Tools & Supplies
In addition to the essentials mentioned above, make sure that you have tools such as flashlights and a portable radio. A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife is also handy for any kind of situation that may arise during an earthquake emergency. You should also include a whistle, a fire extinguisher, dust masks, heavy-duty gloves, duct tape, a bottle opener and garbage bags.
Documentation & Valuables
A copy of your insurance policy(ies) should also be included in your emergency earthquake kit to ensure that you’re able to access financial resources quickly if needed. Additionally, make sure to store copies of important documents such as medical records, birth certificates and passports in waterproof containers so they won’t be damaged or destroyed if there’s flooding due to the quake. Keep some cash on hand too – ATMs might not work after an earthquake – along with copies of credit cards just in case one gets lost or stolen during the chaos.
An earthquake can happen at any time without warning so it’s essential that you have everything you need prepared ahead of time in order to survive such an event.
