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An Earthquake Survival Kit List

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 45 U.S. states and territories run a moderate-to-high risk of having an earthquake. After a quake, FEMA notes that you should be prepared to be on your own--without utilities or retail outlets--for up to three days. While some companies specialize in selling earthquake survival kits, building your own for your home and car is a simple and smart task.

  1. Food and Drink

    • Ready America suggests keeping a minimum three-day supply of water on hand for use following a disaster. FEMA recommends having one gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. If you live in a warm climate or have some other special situation--such as an infant who requires baby formula--additional water may be necessary.

      In terms of food, FEMA advises having a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Useful items for after an earthquake include canned foods, energy bars, nuts, crackers and dried fruit. After an earthquake or other emergency, electricity and gas supplies might be cut off, preventing you from using certain appliances for nutritional purposes.

    Medicine and First Aid Supplies

    • Be certain prescription medications are kept current so you will have ample supply following a significant earthquake. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also suggest having other medical and first aid supplies in your earthquake survival kit, including bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin and non-aspirin tablets, scissors, tweezers, tissues, sunscreen, safety pins and instant cold packs for sprains and other injuries.

    Safety and Comfort

    • Some items will simply make things more comfortable for you and your family as you wait for life to return to normal after an earthquake. Other things are imperative for your safety. The CDC believes a tent should be part of your earthquake survival kit. After a major quake, you may be forced from your home due to damage. You should also keep sturdy shoes, a fire extinguisher, candles, waterproof matches, a change of clothing, toilet tissue, cash and a portable radio in your kit. The radio might be your only connection to vital safety and recovery information.

    For Your Car

    • The CDC suggests storing an earthquake survival kit in your car. As past earthquakes in Northern and Southern California prove, bridges and highways can fail during a serious shaker. In case you need to exit your car and walk, the CDC advises keeping these items in a small bag or backpack. The CDC thinks you should have blankets, bottled water, extra clothing, emergency signal devices (e.g., flares), a flashlight, gloves, non-perishable food, rope for towing and rescue, a whistle, jumper cables and duct tape as part of your vehicle's earthquake survival kit.

      Along similar lines, the CDC advises you to have a workplace earthquake kit as well. You should include most of the items already mentioned. Some employers keep earthquake survival items on hand for the entire staff.

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