Earthquake Survival

Consider Getting Before:

• Have stocks of non perishable food and water.
• Have a survival kit in both your car and your house. 
• Get a radio. Preferably a windup one(does not need batteries or a plug in) but a batter operated one will work as well.
• Consider getting the flashlight nightlights for places around the house. They work as a nightlight normally, but in case of a disaster you can take them off the wall as an emergency flashlight. Also consider putting a flashlight somewhere near your bed.

Consider Doing Before:

• If you think there might be an earthquake in your area, consider filling a tub or sink with water. An earthquake could potentially split your waterlines, or it could even cause flooding which may turn your water undrinkable, so the extra water will be needed.
• Make sure high items, such as bookshelves, are bolted to walls to prevent them from toppling on you.
• Check items around your house to see where you have them placed. For example, something combustible should not be on a shelf-have it on the floor.
• Take a first-aid course. 
• Tell your family on what to do during an earthquake for if they are at home, school, or other places.
• Keep extra important medication, such as an epipen, in your car, bag(or purse), and house.

What to put in a Quick Earthquake Survival Kit:

• Glow Stick: Candles are not safe to use after an earthquake because of risk of a gas line break. Use a glow stick instead.
• Whistle: Even after you lose your voice from yelling, you can still blow a whistle to help others to find you.
• Water Purification Tablets: Water sometimes becomes undrinkable after an earthquake or flood.
• Ropes: Can help pull people up from bad places, can help build a shelter, and much more. Preferably paracord.
• Survival Blankets: Will keep you warm. They are also called “space blankets.” They fold small and are silver.
• Shelter: You can get an emergency shelters that fold very small(some dollar stores even have them). Most are made from the same material as survival blankets.
• Duct Tape: For mending items.
• Money: Cash for if credit cards stop working.
• Windup or Battery Operated Radio: To keep informed.
• Contact Numbers: If you lose your cell phone or it stops working, you will need an alternative way to get in contact with loved one’s.
• First-Aid Kit: For mending wounds. Be sure to put any medication you may need in as well. Be sure to get a kit that comes with a manual. Sometimes under stress even medically trained people can forget what to do, so it is good to have something to read, even if it is basic.
• Food of Some Sort: The search and rescue units in Canada have special jellybeans packed with calories, though non perishable food(such as canned) will work. This is less important than water, so if you have to choose between fitting in one or the other, always choose water. Three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food.
• Flashlight: For the same reason as the glow stick.
• Multi Tool: Preferably one with a knife and can opener.
• Fire Starters: Not to be used where a gas leak could be suspected.
• Hygiene Items: Such as soaps, shampoos, and more. This is optional, but a good idea.
• Maps and Evacuation Routes: For finding places on foot.
• Identification: Such as a government ID or a drivers license.
• Photos of Family and Friends: Optional and only if there is room.
• Plastic Bags: For water collection or emergency shelters.
• Wire: For snares.
• Sewing Kit: For mending clothes or even first-aid. In my kits I always wrap fishing line and hooks around the wheel of string.

Important: If you are unsure about making your own kit, do not hesitate to buy one. It is better to buy one and trust it, then make your own and doubt it. You can always buy one and try to fit in more items.