![Earthquake Kit](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/what-should-be-in-an-earthquake-kit.jpg?output-quality=75)
Making an earthquake kit or a premade kit allows your family to discuss what you would do if a major earthquake struck.
Generally, storing enough water, food, and gear for 72 hours (three days) in your household is recommended. This is to allow for the possibility that it will take some time for emergency personnel or rescue teams to arrive at your location following a major catastrophe.
Remember to replace water and food once every six months. Check that your pets have current ID tags. Pets should have all their vaccinations up to date.
14 items for your earthquake kit
Consider adding the following items to your earthquake kit:
- Three days of food (energy bars and canned food)
- Flashlights with extra bulbs
- Three days of water supply for the family and water purification tablets
- Whistle
- Knife
- Matches
- Adequate supplies of medicines
- A few waterproof and heavy plastic bags to dispose of waste
- Personal items such as an extra pair of glasses or lenses
- Clothes and blankets
- Cash
- Copies of important documents
- Map with the family meeting place
- Batteries and power banks
What other precautions should be taken during an earthquake?
The following precautions should be taken during an earthquake:
- Do not panic.
- Drink plenty of water. Children, nursing women, and sick people need more water. Increased temperatures may double the need for water.
- Drop down to hands and knees. This position helps you from falling but still allows you to move.
- Cover your head and neck under the table.
- If you are inside, stay inside. To reduce the risk of getting hurt, the following care should be taken:
- Quickly move away from glasses, hanging objects, bookshelves, cabinets, and large furniture.
- Protect your head from injuries.
- If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow.
- If you are in high-rise buildings:
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay in the building.
- Move away from windows and doors.
- If you are in crowded areas:
- Stay calm.
- Do not rush doorways as others may also follow you.
- If it is possible, take something to shield or protect your head.
- If you are out, you better stay outside and take the following preventive measures:
- Avoid tall buildings, electric wires, telephone poles, trees, and sinkholes.
- Move to an open area.
- If you are driving a vehicle, stay to stop driving immediately and take some precautions such as:
- Set the parking brake and stop the car safely away from buildings, sinkholes, and utility wires.
- Switch on the radio for emergency broadcast information.
- Stay inside the car; the car may shake a bit, but it is safe to stay inside the car.
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8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/during.html
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-emergency-supplies-do-i-need-earthquake#:~:text=First%2Daid%20kit%20and%20handbook,drinking%20water%20from%20other%20sources
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/build-an-emergency-kit-and-grab-and-go-bag
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html
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