Earthquake Preparedness: What would I need to have and do to survive a large earthquake and its aftermath?

During a Quake

In the event of an earthquake, it's important to stay calm and follow some basic safety guidelines to help you survive the quake and its aftermath. Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself:

  1. Find a safe place in your home, such as under a desk or table.
  2. Stay away from windows, and avoid standing in doorways, as they may not provide as much protection as you think.
  3. If you're in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
  4. If you're outdoors, stay away from buildings, power lines, and utility poles.
  5. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside until the shaking stops.
  6. After the earthquake has passed, be prepared for aftershocks, which can occur minutes, days, or even weeks later.
  7. If you have a natural gas or propane system, check for leaks and turn off the supply if necessary.

 

 

After a Quake

It's also a good idea to have an emergency supply kit on hand. This should include:

  • Water (at least one gallon per person, per day).
  • Water filtration system...and know how to use it.
  • Non-perishable food
  • First-aid kit
  • Tent or portable shelter
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Medications
  • Cash
  • Important documents (e.g. identification, insurance papers)

 

By being prepared and following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of surviving an earthquake and its aftermath.

 

We will go into more detail in future blogs. But this is a good overview of what it takes to be prepared for an earthquake.

 

Pro Tip: To calculate the servings of food you should store, multiply the number of people by the number of days by 3 (the number of meals per person per day). For four people for 5 days, use 4 x 5 x 3 = 60 servings. Round up for large appetites.

Storage Food Option

 

Pro Tip: Batteries typically don't store well. You may want to consider rechargeable batteries and a Portable Solar Panel.

Purchase the Portable Solar Panel

 

 

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