We have made a list of the essential items required in a homemade earthquake survival kit. It is in a list format so that you can print it out and place on your refrigerator. As and when you get the item, put a checkmark against it.
◻ Water – 4 litres per person for at least 2 weeks
◻ Canned and packaged foods for 3 days for each person
◻ Manual can opener
◻ Working flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs or crank flashlight
◻ Portable radio with extra batteries (or hand crank for charging)
◻ Whistles to alert rescuers
◻ Emergency cash in coins and small bills
◻ Wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies
◻ Medications in zip lock/plastic bags
◻ First aid kit and handbook
◻ Copies of vital documents such as identification, prescriptions, insurance documents, credit card numbers etc. stored in a zip lock/plastic bag
◻ Pens and paper for leaving notes
◻ Plastic gloves (disposable)
◻ Protective goggles for each member of the family
◻ Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste, and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos and other uses
◻ Pet food, pet leash, pet carrier and bowl if you have a pet
◻ Personal hygiene supplies
◻ Toiletries and special provisions you need for yourself and others in your family including elderly, disabled, small children and animals
◻ Toys for children
Remember after an earthquake, your home may be a mess, you and your family will be severely traumatized and you might be left without a water supply and energy. By preparing for an earthquake before it happens, you will minimize the damage and potential for injury in and around your home.