Earthquake Kits

Earthquake preparation is an ongoing project, but needn’t be tedious. A rule of thumb is to check or replace supplies when clocks are changed to or from daylight saving time, twice a year. And when assembling a survival kit, don’t forget about food and water for pets.

How Much?

Recommendations vary as to the appropriate amount of emergency food and water to store. Many experts advise one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days. Also store enough food for the same period of time.

Storing Supplies

Use a large container such as a footlocker or 30-gallon trash can, and label each food and water item with the date of purchase or the last date it should be used. Place the container in a cool accessible place, and raise it off the ground.

Shelf Life

3 months

6 months

1 year

Top

Batteries, with tester

Flashlight

Portable radio

First aid kit

Middle

Food and water for pets, manual can opener, dry food (pasta, rice)

Instant food, water, purification tablets

Canned food

Bottom

Blanket

Tarpaulin

Extra clothing, shoes

Premoistened towelettes

Items for personal hygiene: toilet tissue and heavy-duty plastic bags for disposal

Additional Supplies

These are kept separate from the emergency kit in a spot where they can be easily located.

Extra batteries stored in refrigerator to last longer

Spare eyeglasses, contact lenses

Fire extinguisher

Wrenches to turn off gas and water

Alternate cooking methods: barbecue or camping stove (with charcoal, propane or white gas supply)

Tools: ax, hammer, crowbar, rope

Tent and sleeping bag

Work gloves, hard hat

Information

The Southern California Earthquake Center has produced a highly regarded handbook, “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country,” that provides information on the risks of earthquakes and how to help prevent damage from them in homes and businesses. The center will sell a minimum of 10 copies through mail order at a cost of $1 each, with discounts available for nonprofit companies. For ordering information, call (213) 740-1560. Single copies of the booklet can be obtained free in several local public libraries. The entire booklet is also available on the Internet at

https://www.scecdc.scec.org/eqcountry.html.

The Red Cross offers classes in earthquake preparation. Call a local chapter for information.