Earthquake Survival Kit

An earthquake survival kit can greatly help you survive an earthquake. In fact, surviving an earthquake can largely depend on how well a person is prepared for the situation. People who live in areas subject to earthquakes should have a survival kit for their home, car and office.

All family members should know where the earthquake kits are and how to use them. A kit needs to be in a guarded location but one that has easy access for children or the elderly in the household. There should be a family emergency plan and all members should know the procedures.

72-Hour Survival Kit

In preparation for an earthquake do not place any heavy items higher than the height of the shortest person in the family. Also, anchor bookcases, mirrors, cabinets or other heavy furniture items to the walls. This can help to prevent injury when an earthquake happens.

During an earthquake remember to stay calm, stand in a doorway or climb under a desk or table. Tall trees, buildings and electrical lines should be avoided should you be outside during an earthquake. On the road stay away from underpasses and overpasses, stop in a safe area and stay inside of the vehicle.

Post Earthquake

After an earthquake check to make sure that the gas, water and electricity is all turned off. Look for any damage done to the building that may cause problems later or during an aftershock. Clean up any dangerous spills such as gas. Make sure that you have on shoes with a hard bottom, since there may be debris that can cause injury. Turn on the radio and listen to important public safety agencies giving instructions. Telephones should be used for emergencies only.

The Original by NASA

An earthquake survival kit should include water, at least 2 quarts of water per person, per day. A first aid kit that is stocked and has instructions to treat all types of wounds should be included in every kit. Canned, freeze-dried or individual MREs should be included in each kit.

All food should require little or no heat and water to prepare. Consider any small children, pets or elderly with special dietary requirements. Be sure to have a hand-crank can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils and at least two small pots and either a small grill or barbeque that is used outdoors only.

Any natural disaster situation can warrant the use of an emergency kit. When adding to the disaster kit make sure to have blankets, hand-crank radio and flashlight, heavy shoes for every family member, gloves, waterproof matches, sharp knife and a complete change of clothes. If any member of the family takes medications make sure they are packed along with eyeglasses, contact cases and supplies.

Campers, survivors and outdoorsman would all agree that having personal hygiene items are a vital component of an earthquake survival kit. Be sure to include toothpaste and brushes, hand soap, deodorant, toilet paper, large plastic trash bags for trash, waste or water protection. Newspaper can also be used to wrap waste. Powdered chlorinated lime can be purchased at any hardware store. It can be added to sewage to disinfect and keep insects away.