What items should be included in an earthquake emergency kit?
February 19, 2021
If you live in a fault zone, you need to make sure you are prepared for an earthquake. Even if you have never experienced one or think the chances are low, you should still have emergency supplies in easily accessible locations.
You will need not one, but two, earthquake emergency kits and you can easily put them together yourself.
Stay at home kit
If an earthquake strikes you may not need to evacuate but could be stuck in your home without essential services like water, power, phones, stores or transit. Make sure you have everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours.
What you should include in a home emergency kit:
At least 4 litres of water per person per day
Food
Can opener
Canned and non-perishable food
Paper plates and cups
Cutlery
A first aid kit
Toilet paper and personal hygiene supplies
Medication
Shovel
Ax
Rope
Gloves
Fire extinguisher
Whistle
Plastic sheeting or tarps
N95 masks
Extra clothing and shoes
Bleach
Sleeping bags or blankets
Cards, books, or other activities to pass the time
Duct tape
Supplies for your children
Pet supplies including your pets’ microchip and medical information and list of contacts who can take care of them in an emergency
Matches or lighters
Flashlight
Radio
Batteries
Maps
Multi-tool
ID and documents
Cell phone chargers
Scissors
Cash
Knife
Water purifier or purification tablets
Evacuation kit
Make sure you have an earthquake emergency evacuation kit with everything you might need near the door in case you need to leave your home. Every family member should have their own custom evacuation kit at home and at work. Check your kits regularly for expired items. It might be easiest to check them twice a year when the time changes.
Items to include in your evacuation kit:
A backpack to put your supplies in
Phone cards
Phone charger
Flashlight
Batteries
Candles and matches or lighters
Water
Sleeping bag or blanket
First aid kit
ID
Money
Medication
Radio
Whistle
Personal hygiene products
Portable food like energy bars
Money
Shoes and clothing
Anything you need for your kids or pets
First aid kit
You should have a first aid kit in each of your other emergency kits.
What should your first aid kits include?
Information about your family’s medical history and allergies, insurance company, doctors and emergency contacts