This is an earthquake survival kit meant to be kept in your home. For a portable survival kit, check out our article on creating a 72 hour bug out bag.
In the event of an earthquake, it pays to be prepared. While the quake itself will usually last mere seconds, fixing the damage afterwards can take months or even years. In the first few days following a major earthquake, stores may be closed and water and power may be unavailable. Preparing a survival kit ahead of time for such a scenario will allow you to survive it in comfort, should it ever happen to you.
You should keep your kit somewhere out of reach, but easy to get to for everyone in your family.
Here are the items you must consider when preparing an earthquake survival kit:
STORING WATER
First and foremost, you need water for you and your family. Have at least 12 liters for every family member stored (4L/day at a minimum of 3 days). Store the water in plastic containers, in a dark, cool place. For more information on water storage, check out this article on emergency water supply and storage.
Also have some method of purifying water, should you require more and need to sterilize an unknown water source. For more information, read this article on emergency water filtration and purification.
STORING FOOD
You should have at least 3 days worth of food stored for each member of your family. You’ll want high-calorie, nutrient-rich food, that will give you the most bang for your buck (and offer you some comfort). You’ll also want things that are easy to prepare, and don’t require cooking or lots of water to prepare (as these options may not be available to you):
Some ideas are:
- Canned meat, fruits and vegetables
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Beef Jerky
- Granola bars
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Cereal
- Instant coffee
- MRE’s (Meals, Ready-to-eat)
- Freeze dried food
- Paper cups and plates, with plastic utensils
- Garbage bags for waste
For more info, check out this article on emergency food supply and storage.
Also remember that, if you have pets, you should have at least 3 days of pet food stored for them.
HEALTH/FIRST AID
You’ll need to have a first aid kit on hand to treat any minor injuries and wounds that could result from the earthquake. You could buy one prepared, or read this article and learn how to build your own first aid kit.
Also remember to have extra supplies of special items any family members might need: medication, prescription glasses, etc.
Some sanitation items to have extra of:
- Soap
- Antibacterial gel
- Toilet paper
- Extra garbage bags for waste (the toilets might not be flushing for a few days!)
- Feminine supplies
- Cleaning supplies (including household chlorine bleach for water purifying)
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Some additional items to have in your kit:
- A battery powered radio, with extra batteries (it may be your only source of information)
- A flashlight with extra batteries (it may be your only source of light!)
- A utility knife
- Matches in a waterproof case
- A fire extinguisher
- A crescent or pipe wrench for shutting off the gas and water values (only do this if your house has sustained damage or you smell gas).
- Pliers
- Tape
- Aluminum foil
- Extra paper and pencils
- Extra sewing needles and thread
- A gas-powered barbeque or grill (can come in very handy if the power is off for a few days).
- Extra cash as banks and ATM machines may be unavailable
CLOTHING, etc
You’ll also want at least 3 days worth of clothing for each member of your family.
Some extra items to have on hand:
- Work boots
- Ponchos
- Sleeping bags, extra sheet/blankets
- Warm clothes
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Finally, you’ll want to have all of your important documents in one safe place, should you need to move in a hurry.
What you’ll need:
- Family records (birth, marriage and death certificates)
- Wills
- Deeds to house
- Insurance records
- Bank account and credit card information
- Important phone numbers
Good luck and stay prepared!
