Insurance

Emergency supply kit, home safety projects

October 25, 2022
Jacob M. Paul

The 5.1 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in the hills east of San Jose shook Bay Area cities and was felt on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from Point Reyes to Stockton to Salinas. It was a reminder that every Californian should prepare for an earthquake and put together a disaster kit.

Earthquake Emergency Supply Kit

A basic emergency care kit should contain the following items. Store them in plastic containers or duffel bags in a place where they’re easy to get hold of in an emergency. If you can, keep a kit at home, at work, and in your car.

Here’s what you need to get started:

  • One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and hygiene.
  • Perishable food for three days.
  • A battery operated or hand crank radio.
  • flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Additional batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask for filtering contaminated air
  • Plastic sheets and tape in case you need to protect yourself on the spot.
  • Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic straps for personal hygiene
  • Wrench or pliers to shut off utilities such as gas if necessary
  • Manual food can opener
  • Site maps – in paper form
  • Mobile phone with chargers and backup battery

These are also important items to add to your kit depending on your unique situation:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, antacids, or laxatives
  • Glasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, nappies, wipes, anti-nappy rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or travelers cheques
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records stored electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothes appropriate to the climate and sturdy shoes
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine droppers for disinfecting water
  • fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a watertight container
  • Feminine and personal hygiene items
  • Eating utensils, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
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Keep your emergency kit in good condition by storing it properly:

  • Store canned food in a cool, dry place
  • Store packaged food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
  • Replace expired items as needed
  • Reconsider your needs each year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Here are the best places to store your disaster kit:

  • Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you need to leave home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
  • Work: Be prepared to take shelter at work for at least 24 hours.
  • Vehicle: In the event that you are stranded or unable to reach the kit in your damaged home, it is always good to have an emergency kit in your car.

Bonus Tips:

  • Sanitary napkins can be used as a wound pad with tape to stop bleeding.
  • Playing cards isn’t just a pastime: you can make a finger splint with a card and some tape.
  • Mouthwash can be used as an antiseptic to clean wounds.

Tips for preparing at home and in the family

Aside from building an earthquake kit, Californians can take several steps to prepare for an earthquake strong enough to cause damage or injury.

family plan:

  • Have an earthquake plan for the family so they know who will pick up the kids, who will look after pets, and where to meet after an earthquake
  • Designate someone outside of your area to be the message operator.