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EmergencyMatters.com carries a selection of emergency preparedness products, survival & outdoor gear, and food storage necessities. Our goal is to make sure you've got what you need to make it through any situation. From an afternoon hike to an earthquake, we've got what you need.
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Earthquakes are highly unpredictable natural disasters. There is no way to know exactly when or where they will strike. According to the U.S. Government, all 50 states are vulnerable to earthquakes.
Since they are almost impossible to predict, you need to prepare ahead of time. Preparation brings peace of mind, and will allow you to survive.
Before the earthquake:
- Make a plan for what you will do in an earthquake.
- Pick areas of your home (or work office) that are safety zones. These should be places that you can safely "ride out" the earthquake. Make sure these areas are away from any windows that could shatter. The chosen area should also be free of falling hazards.
- Secure all furniture to the walls of your home. This includes dressers, bookshelves, bunk beds, and anything else that could present a falling hazard.
- Set up a meeting place in a safe area outside for your family or coworkers (free from downed power lines, trees).
- You will need a disaster kit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says you should expect to be on your own for at least 72 hours. Thus, sometimes we use the shorthand a 72-hour kit.
A 72-hour Kit should contain
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but will be a great start for you.
1 gallon of water per day (per person)
Water Bottle (per person)
Water Purifier or filtration system. I like to carry a filter and some tablets. You can use bleach or iodine tablets.
3 day supply of food based on a 2,000 calorie diet (per person)
Eating Utensils
First-aid Kit
Weather appropriate clothing
Flashlight with working batteries; even better is a flashlight with a hand-crank or solar powered charger
Whistle
Cash
Sewing Kit- Needle and thread
Compass
Firestarter
Dust mask
Towlette
Toilet Paper
Hand Wipes
Garbage Bags
Survival Knife (per person)
Wrench, pliers, or a multitool
Maps
Cell Phone with hand crank charger
Paracord or rope
Survival Knife
Duct Tape
Gloves
Radio, ideally with a hand-crank
Signaling Equipment
Tent large enough to fit your family
During the earthquake:
- The most important thing that you can do is calm down. This can be very difficult, but will help you immensely.
- Get down to the ground, take cover, and hold on. A lot of people will tell you to stand in a doorway. This is usually not a good idea. You are actually much better off under a sturdy piece of furniture, or standing against a reinforced wall. If you are at work, get under a desk. Make sure that you stay away from windows, mirrors, or anything else that could shatter.
After the earthquake:
- Find your meeting place.
- Inspect your home. Be very cautious. If you suspect a gas leak, do not light any matches or candles. Do not turn your power back on manually, it may be unsafe.
- Remember to watch out for aftershocks. Sometimes, the aftershocks end up being more devastating than the original quake. During each aftershock get down and take cover again. Sometimes, the aftershocks are stronger than the original earthquake.
If you are looking for a really good checklist, you can follow this link to a printable one from the Red Cross HERE.
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