How to Buy Earthquake Survival Kits

The best earthquake survival kits include everything you'll need to improve your chances of making it through the aftermath of an earthquake unscathed.

Consider that there may be loss of power, minimal transportation, difficulty in obtaining food, and even the possibility of being unable to leave your home or office where you were when the disaster struck.

Because of the uncertainty of where you will be when an earthquake strikes, if you live in or near an earthquake-prone area, you should plan to buy or assemble earthquake survival kits for the home, office and vehicles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Survival kits

   Determine how many earthquake survival kits you'll need. Consider the number of people they will need to cover. Also think about having one in your office if you work outside the home on a daily basis. If you have a family of four, buying three two-person survival kits might be a good idea. Keep two in the home and one in the office.

2. 
   Freeze dried food for survival

   Consider the most important items a post-earthquake survival set should include. General categories include first aid, warmth & shelter, cooking, heat and light, water and hygiene, food, and extra survival items.
   
   The first aid kit included should be fairly extensive, with essential items for every basic first aid necessity.
   
   Make sure the kit you purchase has enough food to last several days, or plan to add freeze dried food purchased separately.
   
   Other items may include a two-way radio, Potassium Iodide Tablets (in case of radiation or nuclear fallout) and a good utility tool or pocket knife.

3. Compare several earthquake survival kits (such as those listed under Resources, below) to determine the one that best meets your needs and will give you a sense of peace about your emergency preparedness. If you buy a kit that leaves some things out, your security gland won't let you rest.

4. Inventory your earthquake survival kits and add-on items after purchase. Ensure that each kit is intact and there were no mistakes. Add any items you purchased separately (such as extra food, more flashlight batteries, and the like) and make sure each family member knows about the kit, what's inside, and where each one will be stored.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying earthquake survival kits for your home, office, and vehicle if you live in an area prone to these natural disasters.
• Obtain survival kits for elderly relatives living on their own, and instruct them as to the kit's storage location and intended use of the items within if necessary.

Resources

• Earthquake Survival Kits
• Urban Survival Manual: Survive Any Crisis
• More info on Survival Resources

[Jolocol]

on 9/24/2009 Many think they just need a kit for their family. Good information.

[jujudy]

on 6/28/2009 Very thorough instructions on putting together an earthquake survival kit. 5*s