Earthquake Country Alliance: Welcome to Earthquake Country!

Table of Contents

Step 3: Prepare Kits

The information in this booklet is valid, but for the most updated information, navigate to Our Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety Page.

Personal emergency supplies kits

Everyone should have personal emergency supplies kits. Keep them where you spend most of your time, so they can be reached even if your building is badly damaged. The kits will be useful for many emergencies, and especially if you need to evacuate out of a tsunami hazard zone.

Keep one kit in your home, another in your car, and a third kit at work. Backpacks or other small bags are best for your emergency supplies kits so you can take them with you if you evacuate.
Include at least the following items:

Medications, prescription list, copies of medical cards, doctor’s name and contact information
Medical consent forms for dependents
First aid kit and handbook
Examination gloves (non-latex)
Dust mask
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning solution
Bottled water
Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location)
Sturdy shoes
Emergency cash (ATMs might not work)
Small bills and coins are the best.
Copies of personal identification (driver’s license, work ID card, etc.)

Road maps
List of emergency out-of-area contact phone numbers
Snack foods, high in water and calories
Working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs, or light sticks
Personal hygiene supplies
Comfort items such as games, crayons, writing materials, teddy bears
Toiletries and special provisions you need for yourself and others in your family including elderly, disabled, small children, and animals
If you have difficulty communicating, keep a note-book, pencils, etc. in several locations

Household emergency supplies kit

Electrical, water, transportation, and other vital systems can be disrupted for several days or much longer in some places after a large earthquake. Emergency response agencies and hospitals could be overwhelmed and unable to provide you with immediate assistance. Providing first aid and having supplies will save lives, will make life more comfortable, and will help you cope after the next earthquake.

In addition to your personal emergency supplies kits, store a household emergency supplies kit in an easily accessible location (in a large watertight container that can be easily moved), with a supply of the following items to last at least 3 days and ideally for 2 weeks:

Water (minimum one gallon a day for each person and pet, for drinking, cooking, and sanitation)
Wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies
Work gloves and protective goggles
Heavy duty plastic bags for waste, and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, and other uses
Portable radio with extra batteries (or hand crank for charging)
Additional flashlights or light sticks
Non-powered corded phone (if only cordless phones are normally used)

Canned and packaged foods
Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking and matches if needed
Cooking utensils, including a manual can opener
Pet food and pet restraints. Include supplies for seeing eye, hearing, or companion dogs.
Comfortable, warm clothing including extra socks
Blankets or sleeping bags, and perhaps even a tent
Copies of vital documents such as insurance policies

Use and replace perishable items like water, food, medications and batteries on a yearly basis. Keep special medical or mobility equipment (ventilators, oxygen tanks, extra cane, etc.) where they can be easily reached.

A special note about children

If earthquakes scare us because we feel out of control, think how much more true this must be for children, who already must depend on adults for so much of their lives. It is important to spend time with children in your care before the next earthquake to explain why earthquakes occur. Involve them in developing your disaster plan, prepare emergency supplies kits, and practice “drop, cover, and hold on.” Consider simulating post-earthquake conditions by going without electricity or tap water.

After the earthquake, remember that children will be under great stress. They may be frightened, their routine will probably be disrupted, and the aftershocks won’t let them forget the experience. Adults may need to leave their children in order to deal with the many demands of the emergency, but this can be devastating to children. Extra contact and support from parents in the early days will pay off later. Whenever possible, include them in the recovery process.