Checklist for an Earthquake Safety Kit
Preparation is key for surviving an earthquake. Because earthquakes strike without warning, be sure to prepare a safety kit sooner rather than later. In addition to a putting together a safety kit, practice earthquake drills with your family and choose a place for your family to safely gather. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do if an earthquake strikes.
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Food and Water
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Include enough bottled water so that each person in your family will have one gallon of drinking water per day. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you include enough water to last for 72 hours, and more if your family includes children, nursing mothers or someone who is ill. Non-perishable food that does not require cooking should also be included in your kit; canned fruits and juices, powdered milk, cereals, unsalted nuts and dehydrated foods are good choices. Include a can opener and eating utensils.
Clothing
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Keep one extra set of clothing for each member of your family. Choose weather-appropriate clothing, but include jackets for night-time wear. Shoes, socks and underwear may also be included. If you have young children, more than one set of clothing may be ideal.
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Flashlights and Radios
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Keep several flashlights of different sizes in your emergency kit. Load them with fresh batteries, and include extra batteries as well. A battery operated radio or television will help you stay up-to-date on what is happening in your neighborhood after an earthquake strikes.
Medications
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Keep an extra month's supply of necessary medications in your emergency kit. Make certain to check expiration dates on medications periodically. Additionally, make certain to keep medicines refrigerated if necessary.
Personal Care and First Aid
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Add a few rolls of toilet paper and paper towels to your kit. In addition, keep baby wipes for wiping your face and hands; a bottle of hand sanitizer may also prove useful. Include sanitary napkins or tampons if necessary.
Keep first aid supplies and a manual for how to use them in your earthquake kit. The most basic kit should include rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes, bandages and elastic wraps in various sizes, a tourniquet, antiseptic ointment and pain relieving medicine.
Pets
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Keep pet carriers in a designated area near your emergency kit. Keep an extra supply of pet food and medications. Include veterinary information in a tag hooked to the carrier should your pet become injured. Bandages, blankets and an extra leash may also come in handy.
Important Information
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Maintain a list of important contact information in your emergency kit, such as addresses and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. Include all information on medical conditions and doctor contact information. You may also wish to keep some form of identification cards in your kit, as well as cash.
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References
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