EARTHQUAKE SAFETY – STEP 3

Prepare Disaster Supply Kits

Personal Disaster Kits

Everyone in your family should have their own personal disaster kits. These kits are collections of supplies they may need when a quake strikes.

Personalize these kits and keep them where they can easily be reached—at home, in the car, at work or school. A backpack or other small bag is best for these kits so that they can be easily carried in an evacuation.

Include the following items:

Medications, a list of prescriptions, copies of medical ooinsurance cards, doctors’ names and contact information.

Medical consent forms for dependents.

First aid kit and handbook.

Spare eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies, and sturdy shoes.

Bottled water.

Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location).

Emergency cash.

Personal identification.

List of emergency contact phone numbers.

Snack foods high in calories.

Emergency lighting—light sticks and (or) a working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs (hand-powered flashlights are also available).

Comfort items, such as games, crayons, writing materials, and teddy bears.

Household Disaster Kits

Electrical, water, transportation, and other vital systems can be disrupted for several days or more after a large earthquake. Emergency response agencies and hospitals will likely be overwhelmed and unable to provide you with immediate assistance.

To help your family cope after a strong earthquake, store a household disaster kit in an easily accessible safe location.

This kit, which complements your personal disaster kits, should be in a large portable watertight container and should hold at least a 3- to 5-day supply of the following items:

Drinking water (minimum one gallon per person per day).

First aid supplies, medications, and essential hygiene items, such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Emergency lighting—light sticks and (or) a working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs (hand-powered flashlights are also available).

A hand-cranked or battery-operated radio (and spare batteries).

Canned and packaged foods and cooking utensils, including a manual can opener.

Items to protect you from the elements, such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks, blankets, and perhaps even a tent.

Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and to serve other uses, such as tarps and rain ponchos.

Work gloves and protective goggles.

Pet food and pet restraints.

Copies of vital documents, such as insurance policies and personal identification.

TIP:  A Special Note About Children

Before the next earthquake, spend time with your kids to discuss what might occur. Involve them in developing your disaster plan, preparing disaster kits (ask them what game or toy they want to include), and practicing “DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.”

In the days after a quake, kids need extra contact and support. They may be frightened and under great stress, and aftershocks won’t let them forget the experience. Parents may have to leave children with others in order to deal with the emergency, and this can be scary. Whenever possible, include your children in the earthquake recovery process.

Resources for kids to learn about disaster preparedness:

http://www.fema.gov/kids/

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/

 Information taken from Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country