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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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