If you live in earthquake country, this week’s 6.9 and 7.1 earthquakes in California probably have you a bit on edge. Put that nervous energy to good use and get your two emergency kits ready.
Prepare to shelter in place
In the aftermath of an earthquake, the safest place to be is probably wherever you are. But since you may not be able to travel far, you’ll want to have enough supplies at home to take care of your family’s basic needs. “YES, YOU NEED A KIT. Do you want to spend two weeks without toilet paper?” disaster scientist Mika McKinnon tweeted.
Your home emergency kit should be able to keep everyone safe and taken care of for three or more days. Make sure it includes at least three days’ worth of:
bottled water
non-perishable food
toilet paper, diapers, garbage bags, and other items for sanitation
a way to keep items like flashlights and phones charged (batteries or a hand-crank power supply)
a flashlight, a whistle, a first aid kit, and a hand-crank radio
copies of important documents, including contact information for a check-in person who doesn’t live in the area, and a copy of your emergency plan.
McKinnon recommends this emergency plan guide from British Columbia, which you can customize for your own needs.
Pack a “go bag”
Less important, but still good to have on hand, is a bag to grab if you have to evacuate in a hurry. If you end up having to leave home, you’ll want a go bag with documents and supplies.
The essentials for a go bag include:
Personal documents, like passports
A checklist of things to grab as you leave, like valuables and medication
Drinking water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food
A flashlight, first aid kit, and other safety items
Diapers, pet food, and any other supplies you may need for kids and pets