Disaster Rally

10 Ways To Minimize Earthquake Damage To Your Home

There is an old saying that goes, “When the earth mightily shakes, only then does humanity decide to awake”. This may sound ironic, but it, unfortunately, seems to be true. For instance, did you know the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) at Illinois (USA), records a global average of 20,000 earthquakes every year? Of these, only a hundred of them receive any nation-wide attention, and again, only because of the widespread damage they cause. Yet, unlike a hurricane or a tornado that come with a prior warning (at least ten minutes), an earthquake can occur in mere seconds and shake up the very foundation of your house. In fact, a significant number of earthquakes shatter the framework of many a house because the building infrastructure is not designed to withstand even minor tremors. Through this blog, we help you avoid such needless devastation by sharing ten resourceful ways to minimize earthquake damage to your home.

What Is the Best Way to Prepare for an Earthquake?

If a high-intensity earthquake rips through your town or city, there is little you can do beforehand to protect your belongings. In fact, this is the time to drop everything and rush towards personal safety, while also keeping an eye on the larger community. However, you will be surprised to know that the majority of yearly earthquake damage is not caused by these high-intense quakes, but by mere tremors. When the earth shakes, everything can turn upside down, literally! Fortunately, forewarned is indeed forearmed. If you live in an area that has recorded any seismic activity over the past decade, your house may be subject to some amount of risk. Here are four elementary tips to help you stay prepared at all times and thus minimize earthquake damage.

Quick Navigation
What Is the Best Way to Prepare for an Earthquake?
Is There a Need for Your Home to Be Designed a Specific Way to Withstand an Earthquake?
Ways to Minimize Earthquake Damage to Your Home
Conclusion

Tip 1
Anchor All Precious Belongings

homeless

The expensive large-screen television set that has seen cherished family memories, the safe that contains your jewelry and standby money, the large 2-door stainless steel refrigerator that has housed many a family meal, the valuable décor pieces spread around your home, the prized china in your kitchen cabinet that has been unfailingly passed down several generations are all precious belongings that cannot be replaced easily or at all. However, they most certainly can be protected. For this, we suggest that you secure them firmly at all times. You can do this by bolting them to heavy furniture, fastening them with durable straps, or even anchoring them to a sturdy wall, so they are less likely to be disturbed during a minor quake.

Tip 2
Close Those Doors

padlock

In the stress and hurry of our daily lives, how often do we nonchalantly leave our file cabinets or kitchen drawers or windows open? Unfortunately, this carelessness can be thoroughly punished during a quake. Protect your house and your everyday belongings from earthquake damage by making use of those bolts, doors, and latches. Yes, it is time to close them securely every single time.

Tip 3:
​Safeguard Your House from Hazardous Substances

kitchen

As a regular family, you are bound to have several potentially hazardous chemicals and materials sprinkled all around your house. (This includes all flammable liquids, detergents, wooden pieces collected around your fireplace, etc.) If you live in an earthquake susceptible area, definitely find storage solutions that do not inadvertently add to earthquake damage.

Otherwise, imagine if the structure of your house has remained solid even after the earthquake, only to be burnt down due to a fire caused by an open oilcan. Now, that would be devastating for sure. It is therefore important to find a way beforehand to safeguard your home from this unfortunate situation. (This is also the reason you should consider anchoring all high-risk appliances like your water heater, fireplace, etc.–firmly to the wall.)

Tip 4: Fortify Your House with a Well-Stocked Earthquake Kit

fire-extinguisher

This can include a safety kit (or two), a fire extinguisher, a pack of portable batteries, a camp-stove (or two), torches, and perhaps even an emergency radio. With this, you are not only training yourself to be a resourceful boy scout but also protecting your beloved home for potential earthquake damage.

Is There a Need for Your Home to Be Designed a Specific Way to Withstand an Earthquake?

An earthquake–no matter how minor – is bound to test the stability and strength of your home’s structure. Here, common construction guidelines show you need a cohesive, leak-proof roof, which is tightly attached to the building. You also need to be surrounded by securely fastened walls and supported by a strong foundation to protect your home. Here are some additional tips to protect your house from earthquake damage. (Note: These require the services of a professional contractor, and you may need additional permits before construction.)

Tip 5:
Boost the Strength of Your Home’s Foundation by Bracing All ‘Cripple’ Walls

living-room

A cripple wall is different from other walls as it supports your house’s foundation. It also supports the sub-floor and rests on top of the foundation. This is the first wall to shake during a quake. Fortify your cripple walls with additional braces–like a 4-inch board all around–so it stays strong and sturdy during and after the earthquake. In addition, this bracing can also be provided to chimneys and the external walls so your house stands on a foundation that is truly designed to stand firm during a quake.

Tip 6:
Reinforce Your House’s Foundation with Steel

steelworkers

This tip has both literal and metaphoric implications! If you want your house’s foundation to have a backbone of steel, you literally need to insert steel into it. This is where sill plates come in handy as they are inserted between your house’s foundation and the first level of flooring to add strength and support to your home. However, they are generally made of concrete or lumber.

To protect your house from earthquake damage, check with your contractor on using sill plates made of steel. They will also need to be bolted/screwed several inches into the foundation so they do not shift during a quake. Another hint is to use steel within your walls. The typical (concrete/brick) masonry used is susceptible even to minor shakes. Reinforcing them with steel will make them more capable of withstanding earthquakes.

Tip 7:
 Round Your Window Edges

construction

A square or rectangle shaped window reeks of a sleek design. However, an earthquake can cause the entire house to shift a few inches. This can cause the windows to chip and crack. Rounded window edges avoid this by providing more leeway. Again, check with your contractor so this fits into both the aesthetics and functionality of your home.

Ways to Minimize Earthquake Damage to Your Home

Tip 8:
Strap Beds and Heavy Furniture to the Wall

window

With the tips listed in the above section, your house’s foundation will stay strong and secure. Now, imagine that you come back to a home, still standing after a recorded seismic activity, only to find it completely trashed within. This can happen when the heavy furniture pieces within your house shift randomly during a quake. To avoid this, ensure that you strap them securely to the wall. The same applies to all vehicles and equipment in the garage and anything that “hangs” from the ceilings or the walls. (It is best to avoid any hanging arrangement in quake-prone areas. You might compromise on aesthetics or design, but it is well worth the safety of your house.)

Tip 9:
Treat Tubes and Wires with Extra Care

cable

Check with your construction contractor on flexible materials that can be used for your gas tubes and electric wires so they stay safe during quakes. In the event of an earthquake, it is also important to close all gas pipes and have the house thoroughly inspected by a professional so you are sure there is no leakage. Finally, make sure you do not inadvertently touch a hanging/ broken wire, as it may be live and, hence, dangerous.

Tip 10:
Prepare a Safe-Box

strong-box

A safe-box is essentially a place to keep your most precious belongings. While the tips listed above protect you from earthquake damage, no list will be complete without preparing you for an eventuality. This safe box is your sanctuary in the case of that eventuality.

Conclusion

You will be surprised that many people can seamlessly minimize earthquake damage to their house and community by developing a ‘seismic conscience’ or ‘seismic intuition’. Earthquakes are mostly sudden and unexpected. They also transpire in mere seconds with no warning. However, you can still tune into the community and area around you so you sense when your house is vulnerable to earthquakes. This knowledge can help you take the required steps to secure your house against future damage. Finally, do you know you can purchase extra-strong harnesses, wall straps, equipment straps, safety straps, buckles, and (furniture/ equipment) fasteners, locks, wall-brackets, floor brackets, furniture cables, and adhesive plates, which are exclusively designed to hold your things together during natural calamities? There is a whole, forceful world out there which can safeguard your house and its belongings from earthquake damage. It is time to wear your seismic conscience and get curious.

Here’s What to Do in Case of an Earthquake to Stay Safe

People tend to think of earthquakes as fairly isolated natural disasters. But contrary to these assumptions, an earthquake can happen almost anywhere. For example, they’ve occurred within every state in the US.

But while everyone is at risk for earthquake activity, one can mitigate that risk with a little planning. In this article we’ll consider what to do in case of an earthquake to ensure one’s safety. This includes planning for earthquakes and actions to take during the event.

Know what to Expect

Most people have a somewhat nebulous idea of what’s involved in an earthquake. When considering what to do in case of an earthquake it’s important to understand what the event entails.

An earthquakes will typically only last for a few minutes. However, it’s important to remember that aftershocks can continue for some time after an earthquake. These are technically considered distinct from an earthquake.

But on a practical level an aftershock often feels quite similar and brings the same risks. To stay safe from aftershocks it’s usually best to avoid moving anything large until a few days after the earthquake. This reduces overall risk of falling debris.

Organize a Household’s Layout

home decor living room

When considering what to do in case of an earthquake it’s important to keep falling debris in mind. Contrary to expectation, an earthquake’s biggest dangers come from above rather than below.

It’s always a good idea to keep earthquakes in mind when decorating. The biggest concern comes from anything which might fall during an earthquake. One should remember that an earthquake can essentially throw loose objects around.

Thus, it’s a good idea to try and keep heavy objects below the level of one’s waist. This prevents objects from falling onto one’s head. Sometimes one simply can’t plan around furniture though.

Items like shelves are almost always going to pose some danger. But one can plan around them by trying to limit where they’re placed. One shouldn’t position shelves and similar items too close to each other. Multiple instances of these pieces can essentially trap one in during an earthquake.

Keep the Essentials Organized

Everyone’s experienced the frustration of trying to find small objects in a messy area. But an earthquake will create messes that one could never imagine. Even with the best planning an area can turn into a mass of broken glass and heavy debris.

As such, it’s important to plan ahead with the essentials. Essential medications are probably the biggest concern for most people. Any medications that one needs to take should have a backup location. One should have an emergency medication storage that is kept away from the rest.

These emergency medications need to be kept somewhere that is always accessible. This means in an area that won’t be heavily affected by an earthquake. Keeping it in a purse or messenger bag is the ideal if possible.

Practice the Drop, Cover and Hold Position

what to do in case of an earthquake

Anyone learning about what to do in case of an earthquake should know an essential position. The phrase drop, cover and hold on refers to one of the best forms of earthquake protection. One begins by dropping to the ground.

People can then proceed to cover their head and neck with their arms. Finally, one needs to simply hold on and try to wait it out. The action works best if one can also get under a desk or other solid structure.

Stop and Familiarize Yourself with the Environment

Planning in advance is an important part of learning what to do in case of an earthquake. But earthquakes often occur when one is in an unfamiliar environment. There’s simply not much time to plan in these instances.

The best way to proceed is by quickly examining the environment. First, notice danger signs such as windows or large objects. Then access whether exit points lead into a safer area. And finally, consider which areas offer the best protection from observed dangers. From there one can start with the stop, cover and hold position.

Don’t Rely on Door Frames

It might seem odd to have a single warning given such importance. But it might well be the single biggest mistake people make during earthquakes. The simple fact is that door frames aren’t proper protection against an earthquake.

There was a time when construction methods made door frames stand up to earthquakes. But they haven’t been especially safe for a very long time now. Despite this fact, people are still told to find door frames during an earthquake. One should feel confident ignoring that advice though. A doorframe isn’t safer than any other area during an earthquake.

Consider the Needs of Every Family Member

Family members are going to be most people’s first concern during an emergency. But this can also pose an unexpected danger. When considering what to do in case of an earthquake it’s vitally important to talk to family members.

Everyone should have a solid plan in case of earthquakes. One will obviously worry about family during those emergency situations. But if one knows that loved ones understand how to protect themselves than there’s no need to panic.

And that in turn keeps one from needing to rush into danger to try and find them. One should also ensure that family members know to keep things like vital medications on hand.

Prepare a Go Bag

 

emergency kit bag

The term go bag refers to a pack that one can quickly grab and go out with. It’s often a good idea to have one ready for any emergency as there’s quite a bit of overlap. One should start with the earlier idea of essential medications.

But an emergency go bag should also have non-perishable food, some water and ideally some form of electrical power. A lightweight solar battery is ideal as it can keep a phone working during most emergencies. One might also keep some simple medical supplies like aspirin or bandages in a go bag.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, one can see that a little preparation goes a long way. Even the most time consuming of these tips should only take a few hours. And going through with them can quite literally save one’s life.

But anything as important as disaster preparedness deserves a lot of attention. Anyone who’s been through an earthquake or has any ideas should comment. Doing so can help others stay safe during these events.

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How Are Earthquakes Formed + Top Earthquake States

How are earthquakes formed? Earthquakes have been disrupting human civilization for centuries. Believe it or not, some archeologists now think that earthquakes were at the root of all major societal changes in the ancient world. Earth Science professors at Stanford University have shown archeological evidence that earthquakes could have caused the downfall of civilizations in Central America, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South Asia in the ancient world.

Unfortunately, we have not escaped the destabilizing power of the earthquake in modern times. Everyone’s first line of defense is to know all about earthquakes and have a full-proof safety plan in case one erupts unexpectedly. In this article, we’ll answer basic questions like how are earthquakes formed, plus we’ll give you a few tips to prepare yourself for one.

earthquake effects on a highway

What Is An Earthquake?

People often define earthquakes as a sudden and violent shaking of the earth’s surface. If you’ve ever felt an earthquake before, you’ll be aware of these symptoms. But what is really taking place in the earth to cause these earthquakes? How are earthquakes formed? Well, earthquakes usually occur when two blocks of the earth violently slip apart. Geologists call the area of the slip a “fault plane.” The epicenter of the quake occurs on the surface of the earth, whereas the hypocenter of the earthquake is down below wherever the earthquake originated.

You might notice some foreshocks before the real earthquake begins. These foreshocks are much smaller than the actual earthquake, and they only affect a small portion of the earth’s surface. The term “main shock” is used to describe the full impact of the earthquake. After the main shock, you’re most likely going to experience some aftershocks from the earthquake. These aftershocks can last days, weeks, months, or years, depending on the strength of the earthquake.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that over 500,000 detectable earthquakes occur around the world each year. We can feel about 100,000 of these earthquakes on the surface of our earth. Generally, 100 of them do massive damage. Geologists today are blessed with best seismographic technology, however, it’s just not enough.

How Are Earthquakes Formed?

How Are Earthquakes Formed

To answer the question “how are earthquakes formed,” we have to learn a bit more about some basic geology. There are four major layers of the earth that you’ve probably already heard of: the inner core, the outer core, the mantle, and the crust. When looking at a geological drawing, you can see that the mantle and crust on our earth’s surface are both extremely thin. Not only are these layers thin, they are split up into various pieces we call “tectonic plates.” Located at the edge of each of these plates are “plate boundaries.”

Plates can either be oceanic or continental. Oceanic plates are, as the name suggests, under the ocean, and continental plates are above the ocean. Tectonic plates have always been moving against each other from time immemorial. Since these tectonic plates rub against each other so much, it makes sense that most earthquakes occur on their boundaries.

So, the simple answer to the question “how are earthquakes formed” is “the movement of tectonic plates.” These boundary areas have many faults, which causes a greater number of earthquakes on the earth’s surface. Once two faults get stuck, the blocks continue to move, and the energy once used to slide against each other causes the whole earth’s surface to shake. After the two plates finally release, all of that energy is let out on the earth’s surface. Now you finally know how to answer the question “how are earthquakes formed?”

Where Do Earthquakes Occur Most Often?

Seismicity of the Earth during the 1900-2013 period

Worldwide

When looking at a map of fault lines around the world, it is quite easy to see what countries, nations, and states face a great earthquake risk. As we saw in our section on “how are earthquakes formed,” you should expect the most powerful earthquakes to occur by fault lines. For example, there’s a fault line going right through New Zealand. New Zealand has experienced 30,958 earthquakes in the past year alone.

In the U.S.

In terms of the USA, it might surprise some people that Alaska is the number one state when it comes to earthquakes. The USGS says that the earthquakes in Alaska often go underreported. Alaska experiences about 50 percent of all the earthquakes in the USA. They often range in magnitude between 3.5 and 4.0. Unfortunately, the world’s most destructive earthquakes have occurred in The Last Frontier.

Almost all of most powerful earthquakes in the world occurred in Alaska, including the most destructive earthquake of all: the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake. It had a magnitude of 9.2, caused a tsunami, killed 131 people, and caused $2.3 billion dollars in property loss. Other huge earthquakes that have occurred in Alaska include the Rat Islands Earthquake of 1965 (magnitude 8.7), the Andreanof Islands Earthquake in 1957 (magnitude 8.6), and the Shumagin Islands Earthquake of 1938 (magnitude 8.2).

The number two state on the USGS’s list, California, won’t surprise most people. How are earthquakes formed in California, you may ask? Well, the San Andreas Fault runs along the entire side of the Golden State. The very first earthquake recorded in this region took place in 1769 near Los Angeles. The Gaspar de Portola exploratory group recorded this first of many earthquakes in the region.

Scientists estimate that southern California has around 10,000 earthquakes annually. A few hundred of these earthquakes are above a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 are above a 4.0. The most powerful earthquake to have ever occurred in California was the 7.9 magnitude Fort Tejon Earthquake in 1857.

A Word of Ending

Earthquakes can occur anywhere at anytime. No matter where you live, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario. You should have all your critical medications, documents, and supplies of water stored in a safe area. Always inquire whether a building is earthquake proof before working or living there. Once you start to feel the trembling of an earthquake, it’s important to secure heavy and/or dangerous items so they won’t injure anyone.

The most important things to remember during an earthquake are to “drop, cover, and hold on.” This phrase means, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on to something sturdy until the tremors stop. People in cars should stay in them until the earthquake passes. Earthquakes are a natural occurrence, but they can cause great damage if we’re not vigilant. Be sure you have a plan to keep you and you loved ones safe in case of an earthquake.

IMAGE SOURCE: 1, 2, 3

Most Fascinating Facts About Earthquakes

Earthquakes are some of the most disastrous forces on Earth, yet it is this very aspect that makes some of us fascinated by them. For those that share the same peculiar fascination, we’ve decided to share our picks for the most interesting facts about earthquakes. Before we get started, there’s one thing we all know for sure: we’d really prefer it if they occurred as scarcely as possible.

Cracked Road Because Of Earthquake

Source

Fact #1

We weren’t saying that earthquakes are forces to be reckoned with lightly. They kill on a yearly basis approximately 8,000 people. In the past 4,000 years, more than 13 million people lost their lives because of earthquake activity.

Fact #2

It’s fairly easy to explain the phenomenon without referring any of the complicated scientific terms. So, if you’re looking for some great facts about earthquakes for kids too, then resort to the easiest one: explaining what an earthquake is. Long story short, an earthquake happens when there is intense rock movement in the Earth’s crust. The powerful motion releases some shock waves which then travel through the earth and shake us all up – literally.

Fact #3

Earthquakes can occur for other reasons as well. Volcanic eruptions or meteor strikes can also trigger movements in the crust. However, it comes as a given that these occurrences don’t happen that frequently, so the plate activity remains the number one reason.

Fact #4

Earthquakes may strike one place, but they can affect us on a global level. One of the best examples of that is a giant 8.8-magnitude earthquake which hit Chile On February 10, 2010. The disaster moved the entirety of the Conception city 10 feet to the west. Scientists also believe that as a result of the earthquake, days on Earth got shortened and the planet’s rotation changed slightly.

Fact #5

One of the most common facts about earthquakes is regarding the measurement methods. Experts use devices called seismometers to measure the magnitude of an earthquake. The higher on the Richter scale an earthquake is, the more powerful it is. There are some variations to these measurements, however, as you’ll see below.

Fact #6

The depth of an earthquake has a very important role to play in the impact it has on the surface. For example, a 6-rated earthquake with its epicenter 10 kilometers underneath the surface feels differently than one that’s 30 kilometers below. The closer to the surface it is, the more strongly you will feel its effects.

Fact #7

Unfortunately, many earthquakes are also joined by another type of disaster: tsunamis. Any are that’s located near an ocean is also predisposed to a tsunami aftermath. One particularly grave episode in recent memory was Sumatra, when the most damage was caused by the fury of a giant wave.

Fact #8

We have some facts about earthquakes to make you think a little bit too. Earthquakes don’t actually cause directly any damage. The lives lost during these cataclysms happen because of the collapsing of manmade constructions. Try to imagine what an earthquake would be like in the middle of a field as opposed to one in the heart of a city. Tsunamis, avalanches, and landslides are also the direct effects that make earthquakes so deadly.

Fact #9

One of the worst things about earthquakes has to be the fact that they’re not limited to a single occurrence. As we all know, we also get the aftershocks. Well, these aftershocks happen as a result of the displaced crust and fault line trying to adjust to the “shaken” positioning steering from the initial earthquake. Those episodes that are really big have aftershocks even years later.

Fact #10

We’ve mentioned before that tsunamis aren’t the only natural disasters that can follow an earthquake. Avalanches, for example, can be incredibly dangerous and the best example for that is the landslide that occurred in Peru in 1970. After an earthquake, copious amounts of ice, rock, and mud collapsed from the Huascaran Mountain. The avalanche traveled several hundreds of miles and swallowed in its path a number of villages, taking over 8,000 lives in the process.

Fact #11

The biggest earthquake in California’s history struck in 1906, at a time when the well-known Richter scale wasn’t invented. Modern scientists revisited the cataclysm and estimated that, by today’s standards, the earthquake would be a 7.8 on the Richter scale. Standing proof of the fact that earthquakes can do most damage indirectly is the fact that 90% of the collateral damage and lives lost in 1906 happened because of the cracked gas pipes. This led to powerful blazes and to San Francisco burning for three days straight.

Fact #12

Animals can (or should, theoretically) predict earthquakes a few moments before they happen. Science is still trying to attribute a precise explanation to it, though. Some believe that this is possible due to the animals detecting the weak tremors that announce the quake. Others think that it’s the electric signals delivered by the shifting rocks that they pick up on. Those with pets might attest that not all of them can necessarily do this. The ground is shaking, but the pet is fast asleep.

Fact #13

Speaking of premonitory signs, there are some ways to announce an earthquake, especially if it’s a big one. Ponds and canals may start oozing a foul scent because of the release of gases underground in preparation for the quake. Certain gatherings of ground water may also warm up slightly.

Fact #14

The San Andreas Fault, one of the most famous faults in the world, is moving roughly two inches a year. If the movement keeps up at this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco will be conjoined in the next 15 million years.

Fact #15

In 2011, as some of you may remember, Japan was struck by the worst earthquake in its history, a monstrous one graded 9.0 on the Richter scale. It affected the entire Earth, as the cataclysm shifted the planet’s axis by 6.5 inches and shortened the day by 1.6 seconds. The quake also moved Japan closer to the United States.

Conclusion

All facts about earthquakes should help us draw one major conclusion: they’re abominable forces of nature, indeed, but they’re also strangely fascinating. Until one strikes, that is. And given all the listed grisly aftermaths, we hope that won’t be anytime soon.

Earthquake Kit Rundown – How to Make Your Own

An earthquake kit is an essential item in anyone’s home when living in an earthquake-vulnerable area. It will prove to be a real lifesaver. And while you can buy such a kit, why not make it yourself? It’s easy, and some of the requisites you already own. In this article, we are going to show you what items are a must in an earthquake preparedness kit so that you can start prepping yours right now.

Depending on the magnitude of the earthquake and how often they occur in the area you live in, the kit may vary. We have divided the items you need into the mandatory and the non-compulsory. Pick what fits both your needs and budget best. However, we suggest you try to include as many of these objects as you can. Alternatively, you can purchase a kit and work on upgrading it based on our list. Let’s get started.

earthquake kit items

The Ideal Earthquake Kit

The Essentials

  • A minimum of one gallon of water per day for each person in the house. You should prepare yourself for at least three days but it would be best to have enough water to last for up to two weeks.
  • A water filter.
  • Canned and packed foods. The quantity depends on the quantities you and your family members eat. Make sure you have enough to last you three days.
  • High energy foods (peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix).
  • Formula and drinks for your kids.
  • Diapers.
  • Vitamins.
  • A primus or a gas barbecue to use for cooking.
  • Paper cups and plates, and plastic utensils.
  • Small fire extinguisher.
  • Matches (in a waterproof container).
  • Needles and thread.
  • Aluminum foil.
  • Pet supplies.
  • Manual can opener.
  • A good knife.
  • A flashlight for each person in the house. You should also stock up on extra batteries and light bulbs.
  • A portable radio with a few extra batteries.
  • A whistle. It will alert the emergency rescuers of your location.
  • First aid kit.
  • Emergency cash.
  • Essential medicines and prescription medicine if you suffer from an illness.
  • Blankets or sleeping bags.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Plastic bucket with lid.
  • Household chlorine bleach.
  • Liquid soap and liquid detergent.
  • Feminine supplies.
  • Disinfectant.
  • Dusk masks.
  • Work gloves and protective goggles for each member of the family.
  • Heavy duty plastic bags. They may even serve as rain ponchos, not just for waste.
  • Copies of vital documents.
  • Credit card account numbers.
  • A map of your town.
  • Study shoes.
  • Warm clothing.
  • Eyeglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Rain gear.
  • Cell phones with chargers (solar charger).earthquake preparedness kit objects

First aid kit

If you do not have a first aid kit, here are the items you will need:

  • Sterile adhesive bandages.
  • Triangular bandages.
  • Roller bandages.
  • Safety pins.
  • Latex gloves.
  • About six 2-inch sterile gauze pads and six 4-inch sterile gauze pads.
  • Non-prescription drugs (pain relievers, laxatives, anti-diarrhea medicines, activated charcoal, and other similar essential medicines).
  • Scissors.
  • Moistened towelettes.
  • Medicine dropper.
  • Cleansing agent.
  • Antiseptic.
  • Thermometer.
  • Two tongue blades.
  • A tube of petroleum jelly.first aid kit

Optional

The following items are not as important. However, they will help increase comfort in these situations. If you have enough space, also include the next objects into your earthquake kit:

  • Camp stove and fuel for it.
  • A tent.
  • Bug spray.
  • Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses. Also bring cleaning solution.
  • Additional flashlights.
  • Light sticks.
  • A generator.
  • A solar panel backpack to use for charging electronics.
  • Toys.
  • Poop bags and a scooper if you have pets.
  • Books.
  • Snack foods.
  • Playing cards or board games.

How to Maintain Your Earthquake Kit

Now that you have put together your earthquake preparedness kit, it’s mandatory you maintain it as well. Make sure you keep them in good condition for when you will need them. Here are a few tips on how to do so:

  • Change the water supplies every six months.
  • Frequently check the expiration date on any food item. Always replace what you throw away.
  • Put the new items in the back of the cabinet and bring the older ones in the front.
  • Keep the canned foods in a dry place.
  • Replace the medicines as they expire.
  • Constantly re-think your needs and stock up accordingly.
  • Keep the items in airtight plastic bags.

The earthquake emergency kit items must be put in a couple of easy-to-carry containers. You may need to leave the house in a hurry, which is why some sturdy camping backpacks are perfect for the job. Make sure the containers are light enough for you to carry effortlessly.

Store the bags in a place where it’s easy to get to, a place that is also easy to remember in case of panic.

emergency kit bag

Earthquake Kits for Work and the Vehicle

It is equally important you make sure have an earthquake kit prepared for your home, workplace, and the vehicle. There’s no way of telling where you will be when the emergency strikes. Consequently, it would be ideal if you could put together multiple kits.

Your earthquake survival kit for work can contain fewer items. Consider what you need for about 24 hours or even two days. Also, leave a pair of comfortable shoes at the office in case you have to quickly evacuate the premises. Put all items into one ready-to-go container.

Your earthquake safety kit for your vehicle must also include jumper cables, a shovel, and an ice scraper in addition to the essential items. Furthermore, always keep a full gas tank. In the case of an emergency, put on your flashers and call for help. You should also make sure you have good winter tires installed. Moreover, check the antifreeze and oil levels, the breaks for wear, the exhaust system for any leaks or crimped pipes, the fuel and the air filters.

You can never be too prepared for such a disaster, especially when they are unpredictable. Fortunately, planning and preparing your survival kit may help save your life. Keep it safe, and only use it for emergencies. Make sure you pack all the mandatory objects and replenish the food and the water in time. In the case of an earthquake, try not to panic. Remain calm and go straight for your survival kit.

IMAGE SOURCE: 1, 2, 3, 4