It is recommended that citizens in quake-prone areas prepare an earthquake kit that provides a three-day supply of necessities after a disaster.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has put together advisories for all sorts of emergency situations arising from natural disasters. Internet searches are peaking for what to do in the event of an earthquake. FEMA stressed preparation to assist in the aftermath.
The absolute necessities
- Water: a gallon a day per person
- Food: non-perishable items preferably not in cans that require opener
- First aid supplies
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Battery operated or hand-crank radio: should have NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Dust mask
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape: to help create a shelter
- Garbage bags with ties: for personal waste disposal
- Wrench or pliers for utilities shut-off: to help prevent fires
- Can opener: manual operated openers still exit
- Local maps
- Cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger
There are other items that could become necessities rather than mere recommendations. For starters, cash will be highly sought after without ATMs in operation. A couple hundred dollars is the minimum suggested amount to carry.
If you wear prescription glasses, an extra pair should be in the kit along with a three day supply of all meds taken regularly, with pharmacy labels for refils if possible. For those with infants and toddlers, diapers and formulas are recommended.
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container will be of assistance in the recovery process. Sleeping bags and warm blankets for each person in your group, particularly in cold weather regions should be included in a kit.
Paper, pens and pencils as well as books and games for kids would make things a bit better and things from a picnic basket such as plastic utensils, paper plates and the like will make eating a bit easier.
For help in how to assemble a kit, particularly how to assemble a family's important documents, FEMA has provided a help link to a PDF file to get you started. You can find that here.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons, FEMA Community Relations representatives
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