Do you have an earthquake kit? Every home should have one. Yeah I know – unless you live on the west coast where earthquakes are indeed so prevalent, you’re probably saying, “Nonsense!” After all, most of us here in the USA don’t have to worry about earthquakes, right?
Well, that’s easy to say, but doesn’t eliminate the potential for danger. I mean if you expected the worst, you’d probably be prepared for it. I know I would. But the whole concept of preparedness is to be ready even if a disaster such as an earthquake doesn’t happen.
I live in the Midwest and although I’ve never experienced an earthquake here, I am also acutely aware that I basically sit right on top of the New Madrid fault. A major earthquake here is well overdue and the scariest part is that unlike areas of the country that frequently experience the tremors, our buildings and infrastructure here were not designed with earthquakes in mind.
After tucking the thought away for some time, I just recently put together an earthquake survival kit of my own. I found I already had most of the components at my home, but there were a few extras I needed and I also wanted to keep everything handily together in one place in case disaster strikes.
Obviously, the most important parts of earthquake kits include first aid items, ready to eat non perishable food, and plenty of safe to drink water. Remember one of the biggest problems during the Katrina disaster was a lack of drinking water. My wife and I actually buy our everyday drinking water in one gallon plastic jugs, so we just rotate and replenish that, keeping at least ten gallons on hand at all times to keep it fresh.
The list of items you should have in an emergency kit really is extensive. The American Red Cross maintains a list right at their website. I found that list to be a huge help when preparing my disaster kit. Additionally, try keeping a list of everything you use for three days and take that into consideration when assembling your own kit. And whatever you do, don’t forget extra supplies of medication, a couple of flashlights, a radio, and plenty of extra batteries.