How To Create an Earthquake Safety Kit

In the event of an earthquake, it is imperative that you are able to take care of yourself and your family. In many situations, you may be without power, water, or a way to communicate with others. Having a safety kit ready in these types of emergencies may not only save your life, but that of your loved ones or neighbors. Here's how to put together an earthquake safety kit.

• When you are making your safety kit, designate an area the whole family can access to store the safety kit. The safety kit should only be used in an emergency, never "borrow" supplies from your emergency kits.
• A first aid kit packed with the necessities that may be needed to treat an injury should be a priority in any earthquake safety kit. Some items that should be included are gauze pads, medical tape, band-aids, ice packs, gauze, pain reliever, sterile gloves, etc. You can purchase a standard first aid kit for use in your earthquake safety kit. You will most likely need to add more to the first aid kit, to ensure it is adequate for at least a 3 day supply.
• Medicines or prescriptions that you or your family needs in order to survive, need to be included in your safety kit. At least a 3 day supply, but preferably a week if possible. Any other special medical needs should be included in the safety kit as well. Diapers or baby formula should also be stored in your safety kit.
• A gallon of water for every person in your family needs to be included in your safety kit. Your stored water needs to be replaced every 6 months. If you have a family member that has a special medical need that will require more water, that needs to be taken into consideration when storing water.
• A food supply for at least 3 days, is an essential part of your earthquake safety kit. Canned foods are great because they have a long shelf life, and do not require much preparation. Avoid pastas or other foods that will require water. Do not forget to include a can opener in your safety kit.
• Safety packs or safety bags, are smaller versions of a safety kit. Safety bags can be used in other emergencies as well. Safety bags can be labeled and kept in a child's locker at school or in the trunk of a car. A safety bag should contain a first aid kit that may be needed in the event of any emergency. Having a safety pack at your workplace is also a good idea.