Earthquake Preparedness: Kits and Plans

Problem: Earthquake
Scope: Local, Regional
Impact: Minor, Major (Depending on severity)
Dangers (not limited to): Personal Injury/Death, Minor Property Damage, Catastrophic Damage/Building Collapse, Utilities Interruption, Landslide, Tsunami
Preps (not limited to): Plan, Secure furniture, Damage Insurance, Secondary Housing, Food and Water Storage, First Aid, Backup Power Source

Don’t think that earthquakes are limited to just California. Earthquakes are a terrifying natural disaster that can occur anywhere in the world, and they have the potential to cause immense destruction and loss of life with little to no warning. The shaking of the ground can cause extensive damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, leading to injuries, fatalities, and widespread destruction. In this article, we will outline the dangers of earthquakes and how you can prepare for them.

Dangers of Earthquakes:

The severity of the damage depends on several factors, including the magnitude of the earthquake, the depth of the epicenter, the proximity of the earthquake to the surface, the duration of the shaking, and the type of soil or rock that the earthquake occurs on. Using the Richter scale, a magnitude 3 earthquake may cause slight shaking, but it is unlikely to cause any significant damage. A magnitude 5 earthquake can cause moderate damage, such as cracks in walls and foundations, while a magnitude 7 earthquake can cause widespread damage, including the collapse of buildings and bridges.

The most common dangers associated with earthquakes are as follows:

Building collapse: Buildings that are not constructed to withstand the forces of an earthquake can collapse or suffer severe damage, causing injuries or fatalities to the people inside. Even a partial collapse could injure or even kill occupants.
Fire: Earthquakes can damage gas lines and electrical wiring, leading to fires that can spread quickly and cause extensive damage.
Landslides: Earthquakes can trigger landslides, which can block roads, damage homes, and bury people alive.
Tsunamis: Earthquakes that occur under the ocean can trigger tsunamis, which are massive waves that can cause widespread destruction and fatalities.
Infrastructure damage: Earthquakes can damage roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, leading to disruptions in transportation and other essential services.

Preparing for an Earthquake:

The best way to protect yourself and your family from an earthquake is to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an earthquake:

Create an emergency plan: Develop an emergency plan with your family that includes evacuation routes, meeting places, and communication strategies. Make sure everyone knows what to do during and after an earthquake. Designate an out-of-state contact who can help relay messages between family. Create a second plan for if you are away from the home at the time of the Earthquake. This second plan should include how you plan to travel from your location (your office, or other frequented place) to your home.
Secure your home: Use straps to anchor heavy furniture, such as bookcases and cabinets, to walls to prevent them from falling over. Store heavy items on lower shelves to prevent them from falling on people. Make sure your home is up to code for earthquake safety.
Prepare an emergency kit: Your emergency kit should include enough food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Don’t forget things like vital medicines, toiletries, baby food, dog food, etc. Other items to include are a first-aid kit, an emergency whistle, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, two-way radios, and extra batteries and charged battery banks. You might even consider getting a gas-powered or solar generator. I keep a Jackery solar generator in the house for common power outages or more serious emergencies like an Earthquake or Storm that knocks out the power.
Conduct earthquake drills: Practice earthquake drills with your family, so everyone knows what to do during an earthquake. Identify safe places in your home, such as under a sturdy table or desk, and practice dropping, covering, and holding on.
Prepare a Go-Bag or “Bug Out Bag” in advance in case you need to quickly evacuate the building or city. For a comprehensive list of what items should be in everyone’s Go Bag, see our post about it here.
Stay informed: Stay informed about earthquake activity in your area by monitoring local news and emergency alerts. Sign up for text or email alerts from your local emergency management agency. There are also many good apps that you can download and set to trigger an alert of seismic activity in or near your region.

What to Do During an Earthquake:

During an earthquake, take the following actions to protect yourself and your family:

Drop, cover, and hold on: If you are inside, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there is no furniture to take cover under, crouch down in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Move to a safe place: If you are outside, move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a clear area and stay in your car until the shaking stops.
Stay put! Do not try to exit a building during the shaking unless there is an immediate threat to your safety. Be aware of the risk of falling debris outside the building.
Check for injuries: After the shaking stops, check yourself and your family for injuries. Administer first aid if necessary.
Evacuate if necessary: If there is damage to your home or building, evacuate immediately and seek safe shelter.

What to Do After an Earthquake:

After an earthquake, take the following actions to protect yourself and your family:

Check for Injuries: Check yourself and your family members for injuries. Provide first aid if necessary and seek medical attention if needed.
Check Your Home: If there’s a gas leak, evacuate the building immediately and call the gas company.
Check for other hazards such as fires, broken glass, or downed power lines.
If you’re trapped, don’t move around too much or kick up dust, which can make it harder to breathe. Cover your mouth with a cloth and tap on a wall or pipe to signal rescuers.
Stay Informed: Stay tuned to the radio or TV for updates on the earthquake and any potential aftershocks.

Earthquake Emergency Kit

If you live in an area where Earthquakes are more common, prepare a fully stocked emergency kit now. A well-supplied earthquake kit should contain essential items that can help you and your family survive for at least 72 hours after an earthquake. Here are some items to consider including:

Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This water is for drinking and sanitation purposes.
Non-perishable food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. This can include canned food, energy bars, and dried fruit.
First-aid kit: Injuries are common during an earthquake, so it is important to have a well-stocked first-aid kit. Your kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need.
Emergency blanket: These blankets are designed to retain body heat and keep you warm in case of power outages or during cold weather.
Flashlight: Power outages are common during an earthquake, so it is important to have a reliable source of light. A flashlight with extra batteries is a must-have item.
Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide you with important updates and information during an emergency.
Whistle: This can help you to signal for help if you become trapped or stuck.
Personal hygiene items: Pack items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper.
Multi-purpose tool: A multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss Army knife can come in handy for a variety of tasks.
Cash: In case of power outages or a disruption to banking systems, it’s important to have some cash on hand for emergency purchases.
Copies of important documents: This includes identification, insurance papers, and any other important documents that you may need.
Maps: If you need to evacuate your area, it’s important to have a map on hand that shows evacuation routes and emergency shelters.
Emergency Power: A gas generator or a solar generator with a solar panel could supplement your electrical needs during a power outage. See my review on the Jackery 300.

Overall, earthquakes pose a significant threat to public safety and can result in extensive damage and loss of life. However, with proper preparedness measures in place, individuals and communities can reduce the risk of injury and damage and increase the likelihood of a safe and successful recovery. By understanding the risks, preparing emergency kits, and having a plan in place for communication and response, civilians can take important steps to protect themselves and their families in the event of an earthquake.

It is our mission to educate, equip, and empower everyday ordinary civilians to understand, prepare for, and survive any emergency they face. We cannot rely on the government to take care of us. We must take it upon ourselves to provide for and protect ourselves and our families.

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