Items to Have Prepared for an Earthquake

If you live in an area which is prone to earthquakes, or even if you don't but just want to be prepared for emergencies, an earthquake survival kit is useful to have at hand. The items in such a kit should include supplies which may be essential to keep you and your family alive in a severe emergency, and items which will help minimize further danger and provide comfort until emergency services arrive.

Food

• Food is of vital importance during an emergency, and it's essential that you store plenty of food for you and everyone in your household in case you get trapped in a building or stores remain closed in the aftermath of an earthquake. You should keep a few weeks worth of food in your home in the form of tinned goods and other non-perishable products. You'll also want a non-electric can opener on hand to ensure you're able to use the tins you have stored.

Contact Numbers

• In the event of an earthquake, members of your household could get separated, or you might all need somewhere to stay if the worst happens and you need to move out of your home. It's useful to give every member of your family the contact numbers of relatives or friends who live outside your area and may be able to help in an emergency.

Heat & Light

• Heat and light are basic essentials. Since you can't guarantee that following an earthquake you'll have access to your regular power supply or a generator, keep a box of candles with matches or flashlights in an accessible place if you need to find your way in the dark. You may also need to create heat for yourself, so prepare by stocking up on firewood and matches or lighters.

Water

• Another essential immediately after an earthquake is water. Your water supply may be impaired by the disaster damage, so you'll need to provide water to every member of your household. A suitable amount of water to store is a gallon for each person per day. Consider that you'll want at least enough for three days, if not more, as recommended by the Earthquake Prepared website. Keep water purification tablets to hand, too, since these will be useful in making water safe to drink, and remember that any stored water should be replaced after six months.

Bags and Kits

• If you need to evacuate before or immediately after an earthquake, you'll need a durable container for essentials such as packages of food and bottles of water. A container such as a duffel bag or camping backpack is suitable for this, and will be easy to carry. Another useful item is a first aid kit containing essentials such as bandages, which can help you cope with any injuries sustained during the earthquake.