How to Buy an Earthquake Survival Kit

Residents of California and Washington state know the drill all too well. You wake up in the middle of the night and feel the bed shake. Bothersome mild earthquakes occur every now and then, and don't merit a mention for most Californians. But the threat of another major earthquake always looms in the distance. Smart Californians and safety-conscious people in other states prepare themselves for disasters with a survival kit.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of earthquake kit you'll need. You may need a home kit and one for your car or office. Consider the number of family members, pets or workers in your home or office at a given time. Also take into the account the specific needs of each person. If you have an infant, you will need to include diapers in the kit, for example.

2. Study earthquake and survival supply websites to get an idea of pricing and the available safety items. Common supplies in prepared kits include airtight containers, a first-aid kit, light sticks, thermal blankets, food rations, flashlight and biohazard waste bags. Some kits contain a 3 day supply of water per person. Earthquake kits can serve from one person to dozens, and can be custom made for your needs by many companies.

3. Locate survival stores in your area. If you live in San Francisco or Southern California, you may even find earthquake survival kits at your local building supply or discount store.

4. Buy custom supplies to add to the kit if needed. You may want to add a wrench to turn off a hot water heater, or aspirin and other medication. Talk with your family and compile a list of supplies. Check survival websites like 72hours.org for additional tips and ideas on what should be included in a kit you buy.

5. Remember your pets. If you have pets, consider buying an earthquake survival kit just for them. Many survival suppliers offer pet kits.

6. See if the manufacturer supplies kits to the military and the government when buying an earthquake survival kit. This indicates a complete and excellent quality kit.

Tips & Warnings

• Store your earthquake survival kit in a safe place that is accessible to all family members, such as a communal closet or under a desk. If you buy a large, bulky kit that serves many people, consider putting the items in sturdy luggage with wheels. This will enable anyone to move the heavy bag from place to place.