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Earthquake Supplies And Preparation

The images we see of areas hit by earthquakes are heartbreaking.  And there seems to be more natural disasters than ever before: Japan, New Zealand, Haiti.  These are sobering times.

If you and your family do not yet have an emergency disaster plan or have emergency kits in place, get prepared NOW.  While the government and relief crews strive to do their best in times of emergency, your lives are at stake.  It is always best to rely on yourself and be self-sufficient.  And by being prepared, you can redirect efforts to others in need thereby helping in faster relief and recovery process.

The things to have on hand are:

Emergency food rations
Emergency water supply
First aid kit and medicines
Battery operated radio or crank radio
Battery operated flashlight or crank flashlight
Cash and credit cards
Sturdy shoes
Manual can opener

Below are the basic emergency supplies as suggested by FEMA. After buying these essentials, one should also tailor it to the needs of your family especially if you have infants in your household. Get yourself prepared NOW.

Emergency Food

Emergency Water Supply

First Aid Kits

Battery operated crank radios and flashlights

Your chances of survival can greatly be increased by how prepared you are.  Therefore, before disaster strikes, discuss with your family what to do in the event of an earthquake: how to take cover both inside and outside of the home - where to seek safety and how to stay away from falling objects.  A communication plan should be prepared as how to contact each other if family members are separated.  An out of state relative or friend should should be designated as a point of contact for emergencies if external assistance is required.  Communicate this name to everyone.   Little children should know how to call 911 as well.

As a family, drills should be done as to how to turn off the gas, electricity and water in case something is damaged after an earthquake.  A home inspection should also be done to identify potential hazards such as cracks in ceilings, electrical wiring issues, gas connection leaks, etc.  Shelves and overhead light fixtures should be fasted and braced to ensure sturdiness.  Common sense also dictates that heavy and breakable objects should not be placed high on shelves.  Mirrors and pictures should also be avoided above beds and couches.

By reviewing the home and educating family members in what to do in during an earthquake, it can greatly increase your survival and the survival of your loved ones.