Emergency Supplies for Earthquake Preparedness

Stock up now on emergency supplies that can be used after an earthquake. These supplies should include a first aid kit, survival kits for the home, automobile, and workplace, and emergency water and food. Store enough supplies to last at least 3 days.

First Aid Kit

Store your first aid supplies in a tool box or fishing tackle box so they will be easy to carry and protected from water. Inspect your kit regularly and keep it freshly stocked. NOTE: Important medical information and most prescriptions can be stored in the refrigerator, which also provides excellent protection from fires.

Drugs/Medications

• Hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds
• Antibiotic ointment
• Individually wrapped alcohol swabs
• Aspirin and non-aspirin tablets
• Prescriptions and any long-term medications (keep these current)
• Diarrhea medicine
• Eye drops

Dressings

• Bandage strips
• Ace bandages
• Rolled gauze
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Adhesive tape roll

Other First Aid Supplies

• First aid book
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Bar soap
• Tissues
• Sunscreen
• Paper cups
• Pocket knife
• Small plastic bags
• Safety pins
• Needle and thread
• Instant cold packs for sprains
• Sanitary napkins
• Splinting materials

Survival Kit for Your Home

Assemble a survival kit for your home with the following items:

Tools and supplies

• ax, shovel, broom
• screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench
• rope for towing or rescue
• plastic sheeting and tape

Items for safety and comfort

• sturdy shoes that can provide protection from broken glass, nails, and other debris
• gloves (heavy and durable for cleaning up debris)
• candles
• waterproof matches
• change of clothing
• knife
• garden hose (for siphoning and firefighting)
• tent
• recreational supplies for children and adults
• blankets or sleeping bags
• portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• essential medications and eyeglasses
• fire extinguisher — multipurpose, dry chemical type
• food and water for pets
• toilet tissue
• cash

Survival Kit for Your Automobile

Assemble a survival kit for your automobile with the following items. Storing some of these supplies in a small bag or backpack will make them more convenient to carry if you need to walk.

• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Change of clothes
• Coins for telephone calls
• Fire extinguisher — multipurpose, dry chemical type
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency signal device (light sticks, battery-type flasher, reflector, etc.)
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Food (nonperishable — nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
• Gloves
• Local map and compass
• Rope for towing, rescue, etc.
• Paper and pencils
• Premoistened towelettes
• Prescription medicines
• Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
• Small mirror for signaling
• Toilet tissue
• Tools (pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
• Whistle for signaling
• Jumper cables
• Duct tape

Survival Kit for Your Workplace

Assemble a survival kit for the workplace with the following supplies:

• Food (nonperishable — nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
• Bottled water
• Jacket or sweatshirt
• Pair of sturdy shoes
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
• Essential medications
• Blanket
• Small first aid kit
• Extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lens solution
• Whistle or other signaling device