Earthquake Kit Tutorial for Parents

Japan’s 9.0 quake scared the living you-know-what out of me. Okay, everything scares me.

We happen to live in Earthquake territory (and fire territory) (and tsunami territory) yet I have never put together an Earthquake Kit. I’m finally doing one and wanted to share what I included in our Earthquake/First Aid Kit as well as some useful tips and links from the American Red Cross.

Steps to Putting Together an Earthquake Kit

• Step 1. Put your kit together (see some examples below) before buying a bin, so you know what size bin to get.

• Step 2. Locate a spot in your house where the kit would be easy to access.

• Step 3. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it’s located and how to access it.

• Step 4. Mark a calendar, set an alarm on your phone, or whatever device you use, to remind you to update your Earthquake Kit every 6 months.

 Items to Include in your Earthquake Kit

1. Emergency Preparedness Kit- The American Red Cross has a selection of pre-made kits, we actually found ours at Target; and while it has some of the essentials (dust masks, glow sticks, etc.), I decided to add to it with the items listed below.
2. First Aid Kit- we actually have one in the Earthquake kit and one in our pantry. I didn’t want to be pulling items out of our Earthquake Kit… unless they needed replaced or updated.
3. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR Book- even if you are First Aid/CPR certified (and if you aren’t, you should sign up to get certified) having a reference is not a bad thing. Also, note that the CPR Procedures are changing this week. Read more HERE.
4. Local “Help Lines” List- our local Sheriff’s Station provides a list of local emergency/help numbers. Everything from the Non-Emergency phone number to Animal Services to Mental Health and beyond. Keep a copy on your fridge and one in your Earthquake Kit.
5. Emergency Contacts- print up a list of all emergency contacts for you and your children. That way, if you have a babysitter or family member at your house if a disaster were to hit, they have the information. (We also have this list on the fridge).
6. List of Shut-Offs- before putting together this kit, I had no idea where my water shut-off was. Not only did I learn where these important shut-offs are, I made a list of their locations in case I forget (hey, it could happen when you’re traumatized) or if someone else is at the house in the event of a disaster.
7. Copies of Important Documents- if items are lost or destroyed in an earthquake, or due to a fire because of an earthquake, it’s a good idea to have a copy of any important papers in your Kit. Some examples of documents to copy: Insurance cards, Social Security cards, Birth Certificates, Passports, proof of address, etc.
8. Activities for Kids- coloring books, crayons, puzzles and small toys. Anything to entertain your child for a short (or long) period of time.
9. Photographs- take a recent picture of each family member and write on the back of each picture- name, date of birth, height, weight, eye color, address, work, school, phone numbers and blood type. A visual is better than a list to an emergency worker who doesn’t know your family members.
10. Items to Keep Warm- heat packs (the camping/skiing ones that activate when you squish them), blankets, extra socks, hats, even jackets. Shoes are recommended to have in an Earthquake Kit as well.
11. Disposable Camera
12. Baby Items- diapers, wipes, baby food and anything else you might need to last a few days.
13. Cash
14. Medicine- a 7-day supply.
15. Hygiene and Sanitation Needs- travel-sized items such as: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, instant sanitizer, etc.
16. Water- one gallon per person, per day according to the American Red Cross.
17. Food and Manual Can Opener- enough food to last a few days. Dried fruit, dried food, shelf stable milk (they have them in juice box form now), juice boxes, nuts, protein bars, canned foods, etc. The American Red Cross suggests 3 days for evacuation, 2 weeks for at home.
18. Battery Operated AM/FM Radio
19. Flashlights- keep batteries stored outside of the flashlights so there’s less chance of corrosion.
20. Batteries- for the radio and flashlights.
21. Multi-Purpose Tool
22. Cell Phone Chargers
23. Pet Supplies- if you have a pet… food, collar, leash, ID, water bowl, etc.
24. Keys- extra set of house and car keys. (We also put a set to my parent’s house in our kit).

Create a Plan and Prepare

• Discus the plan with your family.

• Create an exit route.

• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact as it might be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are jammed.

• Get a rescue sticker for your front window that identifies you have pets (if you have pets). Most pet stores have them for free. 

• Secure all tall furniture to walls.

• Make your Kit.

• Ask your friends if they are prepared.

• Ask your children’s school if they have an up-to-date Earthquake Kit and plan.

For more information on preparing for an earthquake, visit the American Red Cross.

For more Preparedness Fast Facts, click HERE.

Donate and support the American Red Cross- HERE.