The last thing most people ever expect is to end up in an emergency situation that sees them without easy access to the necessities of life. Earthquakes can stretch emergency services to their limits while also making some roads impassable and utilities out of order.
While no one can truly get ready for such a scenario, there are undoubtedly things you can do to ensure you are as prepared as possible. Consider adding the six things below to your earthquake kit:
First Aid Supplies
Even if you don’t think you’ll need medical supplies in a natural disaster like an earthquake, they can be worth having as a just-in-case measure. Hospitals can be at capacity or unreachable, which means you may need to take care of minor wounds with what you have at home.
Pack plenty of bandages, antibacterial solutions and creams, gloves, medical tape, and gauze pads. Analgesics for pain relief may also prove helpful in an emergency. Don’t forget to carry extra medication for any family members or pets who need it.
Sanitation and Hygiene
With potentially damaged sewage systems and a lack of access to the basic necessities of life, it pays to have as many sanitation and hygiene items in your earthquake kit as possible.
Add extra water for cleaning, along with garbage bags, moist towelettes, water purification tablets, antibacterial wipes, and feminine hygiene products (if required).
The cleaner you keep your environment, the less vulnerable you may be to disaster-related illnesses, like diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and Vibrio illness.
Food and Water
Ensure your emergency kit contains enough food and water for at least three days for each member of your family (including pets). Some ideal canned food choices include meat, fish, beans, fruit, vegetables, soups, and stews.
Don’t forget to add staples like sugar, salt, pepper, and canned or powdered milk. High-energy food types like dried meats, trail mix, and granola bars may also be worthwhile additions.
Communication and Technology
We rely on technology and electricity to carry out many of our daily tasks. To make sure you can remain in contact with the outside world and have access to helpful resources in an emergency, pack at least one method of communication, such as a radio.
Store enough batteries to keep the radio and a few torches powered, or opt for solar-powered varieties if available. Keeping power banks fully charged and even investing in generators and inverters can be crucial for your comfort.
‘Go’ Bag Supplies
If you’re forced to evacuate your home after an earthquake, additional supplies may be required for comfort and convenience. Have important family documents, changes of clothing, sleeping bags, cash, and sturdy footwear in a separate bag you can take at a moment’s notice.
The CDC now also recommends including masks for everyone over the age of two, disinfecting wipes, and non-prescription and prescription medication.
Entertainment
We rely on technology so much that it’s hard to know what to do without it. If you’re faced with a long wait for electricity, consider packing forms of entertainment like board games and cards. They can help pass the time while providing a distraction from the chaos and stress.
The more prepared you are for an earthquake and other natural disasters, the better your personal situation might be. Starting now, consider adding new products to your survival kit, such as food, water, and sanitation products. While you never know what the future holds, you can at least have some control over how your household manages whatever mother nature throws your way.
