5 Essential Earthquake Supplies to Stay Prepared!

Let’s talk about 5 Earthquake Supplies you didn’t know you needed. Are you and your family prepared for an earthquake? It can be a scary and dangerous situation, but being prepared can help keep you and your family safe.

Introduction

Earthquakes can happen at any time and without warning. They can cause power outages, gas leaks, and other emergency situations. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and have some essential supplies on hand.

Why Do You Need Earthquake Supplies?

Earthquake supplies are essential for many reasons. Here are a few:

• Power outages: Earthquakes can knock out power to your home or workplace. You may need to rely on your own sources of light, heat, and communication.

• Gas leaks: Earthquakes can cause gas leaks, which can be dangerous and even deadly. You’ll need supplies to help you stay safe and breathe clean air.

• Injuries: Earthquakes can cause injuries from falling objects, broken glass, or other hazards. You’ll need supplies to help you treat any injuries until help arrives.

Having some earthquake supplies on hand can help you stay safe and comfortable in these situations.

Supply #1: Hand Crank Emergency Radio & Portable Charger

A hand crank emergency radio and portable charger is a small device that has an am/fm radio, flashlight and a hand crank charger.

Why you need it: During an earthquake, you may need to contact someone for help or get updates on the situation. A hand crank emergency radio can help keep you informed during an emergency, so you can listen to updates and news. Also, allows an extra source of emergency light and a way to keep  your phone charged so you can make important calls or access information when you need it. It’s usually charged up ahead of time and can provide several charges for your phone or other devices.

Supply #2: Emergency Blanket

An emergency blanket is a lightweight, compact blanket that can help keep you warm during an earthquake. It’s made of a special material that reflects your body heat back to you, which can help you stay warm even if you don’t have power or heat.

Why you need it: If you’re stuck in a cold or wet environment after an earthquake, an emergency blanket can help keep you warm and prevent hypothermia.

Supply #3: Water Filtration Straw

A water filtration straw is a small, portable device that you can use to filter water. It removes bacteria and other contaminants from water, making it safe to drink.

Why you need it: After an earthquake, drinking water may not be readily available or safe to drink. With a water filtration straw, you can drink water from lakes, streams, or other sources without worrying about getting sick.

Supply #4: Gloves

In an emergency, your hands are one of your greatest assets.

Why you need it: Protecting your hands should be one of your top priorities and one of your main staples in your earthquake supplies. From work gloves to medical grade/exam gloves, consider all the tasks that may take place during an emergency. Clearing rubble, removing dangers or even sanitary tasks, gloves will give you and your family a greater chance of survival.

Find Work gloves: Here
Find Nitrile Gloves: Here

Supply #5: Lightsticks

Lightsticks are small, colorful sticks that light up in the dark. They’re lightweight, portable, and can provide light for several hours.

Why you need it: If you’re in a dark environment after an earthquake, Lightsticks can help provide light and visibility. They’re also useful for signaling for help or marking your location. Lighter and a great alternative source of light than a flashlight and batteries. Take them on trips, store them at work, in bags and vehicles. Great for hotels, workplaces and signaling in an emergency.

Find them here: Lightsticks

Other Supplies to Consider

In addition to the supplies mentioned above, there are other earthquake supplies you might want to consider, such as:

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit can help you treat injuries or illnesses during an earthquake. It should include things like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers.

Multi-tool: A multi-tool is a small, portable tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. It might include a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and other tools.

Whistle: A whistle can be used to signal for help or alert others to your location.

Cash: In an earthquake, ATMs may not be available or working. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand in case you need to buy supplies or pay for transportation.

Have it all ready to Grab-n-Go! The 72 Hour Emergency Kit

It’s important to keep your earthquake supplies in a safe, easily accessible location.

Here are some tips:

• Purchase a 72 Hour Emergency Kit, complete with emergency food and water, as one of your core earthquake supplies.
• Have one kit per person, in your family to ensure to have enough supplies.
• Keep your emergency kits in a location that’s easy to remember: You don’t want to have to search for your earthquake supplies during an emergency.
• Access: If you need to leave your home quickly, you don’t want to have to dig through a pile of clutter to find your supplies.
• Maintain your earthquake supplies every 6 months. Check for expire dates, replace if needed and keep track.

FAQs

1. Do I really need all these supplies?

• It’s always better to be safe than sorry. You never know when an earthquake might happen, and having these supplies on hand can help you stay safe and comfortable.

2. Can I buy all these supplies at once?

• Yes, you can buy all these supplies at once or gradually build up your earthquake kit over time.

3. How often should I check my earthquake supplies?

• It’s a good idea to check your earthquake supplies every six months to make sure they’re still in good condition and haven’t expired.

4. What if I can’t afford all these supplies?

• You can start with the essentials and gradually add to your earthquake kit over time. It’s better to have some supplies than none at all.

5. What if I have specific medical needs during an earthquake?

• If you have specific medical needs, make sure to include any medications or medical supplies in your earthquake kit. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what to include.

Remember, being prepared for an earthquake doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. By taking some simple steps and having some essential supplies on hand, you can feel safer and more confident in any situation. Start building your earthquake kit today!

Resources:

Earthquake Preparedness Online Course
Emergency Earthquake Plan

Check out our other blogs on Emergency Preparedness:

5 Pillars of Emergency Preparedness
72 Hour Emergency Checklist