Creating an earthquake preparedness kit is easy. Many people are not concerned with emergency situations, but an earthquake presents a very real danger with a huge spectrum of harmful or potentially fatal consequences. There are only a few simple things to consider for creating a kit like this, and it can be done by anyone on almost any budget. Why not take the time to build one…it’s inexpensive insurance.
Provisions
Having some kind of food and water source is supremely important in the event of an emergency. This should always be the primary concern, because most of the other things that are listed below are not as imperative to survival as food and water. This is an absolute must. Foods that can be stored for extended periods of time are perfect, like canned beans, canned vegetables, canned fruits, jerky, honey and any other sealed, nonperishable foods.
Lights
It is very likely that in the event of a major earthquake, there will be no access to lights for an extended period of time. In these situations, the ideal light should feature a hand crank and a solar charger. There should also be a stationary light and ample batteries included as a primary light source. The other option is to use firewood, and while this provides warmth, it is a much less flexible light source than a stationary light.
Communication
Another important aspect of earthquake survival to consider is a communication system. This is not always as necessary for those living in suburban areas, though it is always a good idea to keep a radio handy. For families, walkie-talkies are ideal, because they allow the family to cover more ground without the need for phone signal. Though it is likely that phone reception towers will remain intact, keeping walkie-talkies for backup is still a great idea.
First Aid
Having a first aid kit is already a must. In the event of an earthquake, it is likely that there will be debris, unstable structures and natural formations that present the risk of injury. If a hospital is full and nearby stores are closed, there’s a fair chance that a very simple wound can turn into a much larger problem via infection. These risks are increased by the likelihood of being around other survivors that may be covered in bacteria. They are also increased in country settings with long distances to any nearby stores or medical facilities. These should include disinfectant, medical grade superglue, bandages, gauze, tweezers and hydrogen peroxide. It is also a good idea to store more than necessary, so there is never any question of whether or not enough is left.
Shelter
While many homes will be unaffected in the event of an earthquake, the chance does exist that a home will be destroyed or otherwise uninhabitable if the earthquake is strong enough. These situations demand emergency tents, weather-appropriate clothing, blankets and basic privacy. It is also a good idea to consider sanitation, because bathrooms may often be cut off from public use for an extended period of time. Temporary toilets or toilet bags are ideal for these circumstances.
These are the most important aspects of earthquake preparedness kit. Regardless, most other additions not listed here will still fall into the categories listed above.
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