Earthquakes can happen anywhere, at any time. Being prepared is key to staying safe during one of these natural disasters. Gather essential supplies that you’ll need in case of an earthquake and store them in a single place for easy access. Having the right items on hand can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Here are some essential supplies you should always have in your earthquake kits.
Water and Non-Perishable Food Supplies
Having enough water and food for 3 days is important when building your emergency kit. Be sure to include non-perishable food items such as canned goods, energy bars, dry cereal, and crackers that won’t spoil quickly. You’ll also want to pack bottled drinking water or a water filter so you have access to clean H2O if needed.
Flashlight and Radio with Extra Batteries
In the event of an earthquake, power outages will likely occur, leaving you without light or access to news reports. To prevent being left in the dark (literally!) be sure to store a flashlight and radio with extra batteries in your emergency earthquake kit. The flashlight will come in handy for navigating around your home or office during the event, while having working radios with batteries ensures you’ll stay up-to-date on any developments during the disaster.
First Aid Supplies and Medications
It’s wise to store basic first aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, scissors, thermometer and other necessary items in your kit too; they might come in handy if anyone needs medical attention after the earthquake has passed. Include any daily medications that may be needed by yourself or family members as well so they don’t run out during this stressful time period!
Multi-Purpose Tool
Keeping a multi-purpose tool such as Swiss Army knife has its advantages; it contains multiple tools such as a screwdriver head, scissors/knife blade combo pliers etc., all packed into one compact device that can prove useful when trying to make repairs after an earthquake occurs.
Cash Reserves
It’s always good practice to keep some cash on hand just in case ATMs become inaccessible due to power outages or other damages caused by earthquakes. Keep enough funds ready so that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way!
Earthquakes can be scary but with the right supplies on hand they don’t have to be overwhelming! Be sure to build an earthquake kit as soon as possible with essentials like food and water rations, medical supplies including medications and first aid kits, flashlights with extra batteries, cash reserves, and multi-purpose tools.
It is also important to have a plan in place as earthquakes can cause power outages. Be sure to practice evacuation drills and make sure all family members know what to do if an earthquake strikes. Make sure you stay informed by listening to news reports and following updates from organizations like the United States Geological Survey. Lastly, it’s important to know how to drop, cover, and hold on—the three basic steps to protect yourself during an earthquake. Drop down onto your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with one arm and hand, and if possible find a sturdy table or desk to hide under for added protection. Brace yourself until the shaking stops. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your family is safe during an earthquake. With a little preparation and knowledge, you can face any seismic activity with confidence.