There are some basics that everyone should keep on hand for the earthquake. And it’s never too late to prepare for an emergency earthquake by stocking up on gear and organizing it. So you know exactly where it is and when you need shelter during an emergency. So we came up with a list of essential items that’ll be helpful in a natural disaster or an earthquake.
Know the Signs of an Earthquake
You may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually becomes louder during an earthquake. You may also experience a rolling sensation that begins gently and quickly becomes violent.
OR
A violent jolt may startle you at first. You may feel shaky a second or two later and find it difficult to stand up or move from one room to another.
Learn the Safest Spots
During an earthquake, collapsing building materials and heavy falling objects such as bookcases, cabinets, and heating units cause most deaths and injuries.
Learn where the safest spots are in your home. If you’re already in bed, a safe place could be underneath a sturdy table away from the walls, or underneath your covers with a pillow over your head.
Plan for an Earthquake by Practicing how to Respond
By planning what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your family can learn how to react correctly.
Practice an earthquake drill with your entire family, especially if you have children. Participating in an earthquake drill will help you and your loved ones understand what to do if you aren’t with them during an earthquake.
Make sure you and your children are aware of the school’s disaster response procedures. It’ll help you plan where, when, and how to reunite with your children after an earthquake.
During an Earthquake drill, DROP, COVER, and HOLD on
Immediately DROP down onto your hands and knees will protect you from falling while still allowing you to move if needed.
HOLD onto your shelter until the shaking stops and be prepared to move your shelter if the shaking causes it to shift.
Cover your whole body with a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, then get down near an interior wall or low-lying furniture and cover your head and neck with your arms. Try to stay away from glass windows which could shatter.
Create an Evacuation Plan
If any earthquake happens, then you and your family may need to evacuate from the damaged area. By proper planning and practicing for the evacuation, you’ll be prepared to respond immediately to the earthquake.
Discuss a home evacuation plan with your family. Draw the floor plan of your home and scout each room and discuss the evacuation plan.
Always try to plan a second way to exit from each room, if possible. And if you need any special equipment, such as a rope-ladder, mark it where it’s located.
Mark your emergency supply kit and fire extinguishers where they are located.
Check the utility switches so that they can be turned off if needed.
Discuss and indicate the family’s emergency outdoor meeting place.
Create an Emergency Supply Kit at Home
Maintain your emergency supplies for an earthquake. These supplies should include a first-aid kit and emergency supply kit (including food and water) for the home to last at least 3 days.
You should also create a list of important information such as emergency contacts, insurance information, and medical information. Also keep a copy of important documents such as IDs, medical documents, birth certificates and passports. Store these items at a secure location in a fireproof and waterproof container.
What should be in an Earthquake Kit?
There is a list of items should be in an earthquake kit:
3 days water supply (1 gallon per person, per day)
3 days nonperishable food supply, and a can opener
First aid kits
3 days supplies of water and food for your pet
Flashlights with extra batteries
Power banks for mobiles
Prescription medications
Whistle
Swiss Army knife
Important documents copies
Extra pair of glasses
Cash
Remember to change water and food items every six months.
What are the Best Foods to have on hand incase of an Earthquake?
Select your food in easy to open packaging, and have a can opener too in the kit. It’s important to select the foods which will not increase the thirst .
Ready-to-eat canned of meats, fruits, vegetables
Canned juices, milk, soup
Sweetened cereals
Salt, pepper, sugar
Peanut butter, jelly, crackers
Granola bars, dried fruit
Cookies, instant coffee, tea bags
Refrigerated foods are safe to eat if the power has not been out for more than four hours, according to survival experts. To avoid spoilage, maintain the refrigerator and freezer doors as firmly shut.
What should be in a First Aid Kit to prepare for an Earthquake?
First aid kits include a wide variety of supplies that’ll help treat cuts, scrapes, minor injuries including sprains and burns. Create a first aid kit and keep a copy of the list with this first aid kit.
First aid kits should include these items:
Adhesive bandages, in all sizes
Butterfly closures, in all sizes
Tape roll
Gauze pad and gauze roll
Scissors
Foil blankets
Examination gloves
Flashlight/glow sticks
Instant cold pack
Hot pack (body warmer)
Antiseptic cream
Aspirin or Acetaminophen
Allergy medication
Tweezer
Burn cream
Alcohol pads
Antiseptic towelettes
Finger splints/tongue depressors
Cotton swabs
Eye wash
List of family member’s medical history, medications, doctors, insurance company, and contact persons should be readily available.
What Tools & Appliances should you have if an Earthquake strikes?
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have tools available which will help you turn off the water or gas, mend broken appliances, and water heater.
Flashlight with extra batteries in every room
Fire extinguisher
Duct tape
Work gloves
Matches in a waterproof container
Knife, pliers and scissors
Local maps (paper)
Manual can opener
Dust mask
Water purification tablets
Sterno
A water-resistant tarp, which may be needed for shelter
Conclusion
There are high chances to have many of the items listed above in your home. But try to maintain the items at the earliest from the list for an earthquake emergency. Collect the items to start building your kit with Trisafe Survival Bag and check them off as you go.
