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Earthquake & Disaster

Preparedness Kits

I originally put this list together after the 1994 Northridge quake when my wife's business partner at the time, who lived in the San Francisco Bay area, came to the realization that he was woefully unprepared in the event of a serious earthquake. He did, in fact, assemble this kit, more or less as published here. While these kits were designed for an earthquake senario, they are just about equally applicable to any widespread natural or man made disaster.

For earthquake preparedness, this equipment and these supplies should be stored in waterproof, or at the least, water resistant containers in a SECURE location on the property AWAY FROM THE HOUSE or any likely damage or loss from falling structures, if possible. Use combination locks (all with the same combination) to secure supplies, keys can be lost. Make sure all household members have the combination memorized.

For other natural disaster preparedness, the best location for storage may be in the basement, if you have one. Where flooding is common, an attic storage area may be a better bet (making sure you have rooftop access as well).

Keep the existence of these supplies a secret from all others. Loose lips can result in stolen or pilfered supplies. When you need them, they may not be there.

There's More To Consider

Don't forget your identification, money and critical important papers. Take originals or store copies of: Driver Licenses, Social Security cards, Medications with Name and Dosage (copy of prescription or label is best), Immunization cards for children, insurance documents, name and phone numbers of insurance agent(s) and main offices of insurance carrier, family and friends out of area that you can depend upon in an emergency, names of lawyers (to sue insurance companies), copies of deeds, titles and inventory list of belongings (a video record could be useful), Spare Keys to house, cars, safety deposit box, etc., Money (no less than $100, more is better) including minimum 1 roll of quarters, Credit Cards or at least photocopies, at least two different nationwide top tier Phone Company Calling Cards.

While the focus here is primarily on the gear and supplies that might save your life in such a disaster, in an emergency situation where evacuation is a likely possibility there are also other considerations. There's your physical life that this gear and these supplies wile help preserve, and then there's the rest, your emotional and fiscal life that is also critical. Things like family photo albums, family heirlooms and mementoes, bills and other current fiscal records, etc. See "Don't Forget The..." article on ETS.

If you have a scanner and a CD burner, another strategy is to scan all critical papers and records and place them on a CD. This CD can also be sent to another responsible party for safekeeping.

While it would be a good exercise for all of us to develop a check list (with storage location) of stuff to grab in a short-notice evacuation, it is especially important for those who live in areas where it is more likely to occur (hurricanes, floods, high fire danger, etc.). When the danger is very high, it may pay to have it packed and ready to go at a moment's notice.

Primary Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness Kit Qty. Survival Equipment or Supplies EMERGENCY DEVICES GROUP 1 Fixed Blade Stainless Steel Hunting Knife, 4 in. to 6 in plain edge blade, w/ Sheath 1 Leatherman "Super-Tool" 1 Knife Sharpener 1 Fiskars "Super Snips" 1 Tree Saw for small limbs with spare blades if applicable 1 "Pocket ChainSaw" Survival Saw 1 Glock "Field Spade," Gerber "Folding Shovel" or other folding/collapsing shovel 1 Crow Bar/Wrecking Bar 1 Hammer, claw type, fiberglass or steel handle, 14 or 16 oz. 1 Come-Along/Cable Puller/Power Puller (2000 lb./1 ton minimum dead lift, we used a 4000 lb./2 ton unit in this kit) 1 Bright Waterproof LED Flashlight 4 Spare Alkaline or Lithium Batteries for Flashlight* 1 Red Flashlight Wand 8 "Cyalume" or "Snap-Light" Chemical Lightsticks, 12 hr.or electronic equivalents such as "Krill Lights"* 1 Butane Fueled Lighter* 50 Windproof/Waterproof Matches 1 Firestarter Kit w/ Tinder SHELTER GROUP 1/person Sleeping Bag (as appropriate for climate) 1/person Sleeping Pads, foam or inflatable 1 3 or 4 Season (as appropriate for climate) Dome/Family Style Tent, sized to hold number in group + 1 to allow for plenty of storage space 1 Ground Cloth for tent 2+ Plastic Ripstop Tarps, minimum 12 x 12 ft. (multi-functional, you can't have too many) Optional 1/person Camp Stool/Chair PERSONAL PROTECTION GROUP 1pr./person Leather Work Gloves 1/person Hard Hat 1/person Safety Goggles 20/person Premium Dust/Mist Respirators, disposable 2/person Bandanna or Cravat 1/person Heavy Duty Poncho 2/person Complete Changes of Outdoors/Work Clothing appropriate to climate including for each person: Sturdy Belt

Sturdy Pair of Work Boots (already broken in)

Jacket

Other items of clothing appropriate to the climate such as Coat, Insulated Gloves, Hat, etc.

(You may not have time to dress and may also need additional spare Underwear, Changes of Clothes, Special Clothing Items etc.) MEDICAL GROUP 1 Well Equipped Medical / First Aid Kit supplemented w/ extra supplies, bandages, and prescription drugs * The following quantities include those in the medical kit 1 "SAM Splint" emergency splint 6 Trauma Dressings 8 Gauze Compress 4 Triangular Bandage 2 Elastic Bandage, 3" 1 Elastic Bandage, 4" 1 Elastic Bandage, 6" 50 Latex or Nitrile Surgical Gloves (Note that many people are allergic to latex) 1 Emergency Medical Guide Optional 1 Emergency Burn Kit WATER and FOOD GROUP 5-10 gal./person Water in sturdy containers w/ screw on caps* 1 Water Filter (w/ spare cartridges if appropriate) 1 Water Treatment sufficient to treat 150 qts. 7 day

supply Military MRE Rations, Emergency Food Packs or Survival Rations*, per person (or equal long storage life foods, such as canned goods or retort pouches) 14/person Drink Mix* 14/person Instant Coffee/Tea bags/what have you* 1 Box Sugar Cubes 1 sealed Salt container 1 sealed Pepper container - Other spices as desired 1 Stainless Steel Cooking and Serving Set (pots & pans w/ plates, cups, utensils of qty. for size of group, you may use disposable serving items if desired) 1 Small Grill or Backpacking Grill 1 Multi-fuel Stove capable of burning unleaded auto gas

Alternative: Butane Fueled Stove 1 Stove Maintenance Kit 1-3 gal. Fuel for stove in sealed container* PERSONAL SUPPLIES GROUP 1 Portable Toilet and supplies for size of group 1-2/person roll Toilet Paper 1 Bar Anti-bacterial Soap in Soap Container 1 qt. Liquid Hand Sanitizer 50+ Packaged Clean-up Wipes* 1 Tube Toothpaste* 1/person Toothbrush 1 Comb and/or Hair Brush 1 Mirror 1/person Wash Cloth 1/person Small/Medium Towel For each person as needed - Spare Prescription Glasses/Contact Lenses - Contact Lens Storage/Cleaning Kits* - 4 week supply Personal Prescription Medicines* - 2 week supply Multi-vitamins* For each women who menstruates - adequate supply of Tampons or Sanitary Napkins/Pads and Medications MISCELLANEOUS / MULTI-PURPOSE GROUP - Copies of important papers, including insurance policies, name and phone numbers of insurance agent(s) and main offices of insurance carrier, family and friends out of area that you can depend upon in an emergency, names of lawyers (to sue insurance companies), copies of deeds, titles and inventory list of belongings (a video record could be extremely useful and can also be stroed offsite). - Spare Keys to house, cars, safety deposit box, etc. - Money (no less than $100, more is better) including minimum 1 roll of quarters - Spare or duplicate Credit Cards including at least two different Phone Company Calling Cards 1 Solar/Battery/Hand Crank Powered AM/FM Radio w/ spare batteries 4 2.5 or 3 gallon Water Carriers (Can be collapsible, but they are harder to carry. 5 gallon containers are too heavy. Water can be stored in the containers, but should be treated to prevent deterioration) 1 Insulated Cooler (48-54 quart capacity) (Can be used to store waterproof supplies) 1 Sturdy hand cart, preferably with two or four large diameter wheels (a traditional wheelbarrow is not a good choice) 1 Fuel Siphon Hose 1or 2 2.5 gallon Gasoline Rated Fuel Container (If filled with fuel, must add gasoline stabilizer and change as required) 2 100 ft. 550 lb test mil - spec. Parachute Cord 1 50 ft. 3/8" to 1/2" Nylon Utility/Climbing Rope (not poly) 1 roll .032 Stainless Safety Wire 100 standard/medium size Cable Ties (Panduit or equal) 50 large size Cable Ties (Panduit or equal) 50 extra large size Cable Ties (Panduit or equal) 1 roll Premium Industrial Grade Duct Tape 1 roll 3M brand "33+" Electrical Tape 1 WD-40, LPS 1 or CRC 3-36 Lubricant / Moisture Displacer, large aerosol can* 1 Comprehensive Sewing Kit w/ HD threads and needles, buttons, safety pins of various sizes, etc. (more than a typical "travel kit") 1 Large box Heavy Duty (not regular) Aluminum Foil 2 Sponge, 3" x 5" 1 medium bottle Dishwashing Soap 2 Dish Towels 10 Zipper Lock Plastic Freezer Bags, jumbo 25 Zipper Lock Plastic Freezer Bags, gallon 25 Zipper Lock Plastic Freezer Bags, quart 30 HD Garbage Bags, 30+ gallons 1 4x6 in. Rite in the Rain "Hip Pocket" Notebook w/ waterproof paper 1 Fisher "Space-Tec" Pen or Rite in the Rain "Waterproof" Pen and/or 2 #2 Pencils 4 Jumbo Permanent Ink Marker - black* and/or 1 qt. Gloss Black Paint w/ small brushes* and/or 2 cans Gloss Black or Day-Glo Orange Spray Paint.* 1 roll (1000 ft.) "Danger Do Not Enter" Barricade Tape - plastic covered Playing Cards, travel size Chess/Scrabble/etc. - Frisbee, throwing ball, etc. 1 Contents List 1 Survival Manual TRANSPORTATION - Mountain Bike(s) with saddles bags or racks to carry supplies. (plus spare tubes and tire repair tools and supplies) - Sports Utility Vehicle or Truck (should be parked where least likely to be damaged by collapsing buildings, falling trees, or fire) w/ aux. gas tanks (kept full). A moderate size, small engine/higher fuel economy model is best. EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

TO BE KEPT IN THE HOUSE At Gas Meter (turn off gas first, then water service) - Gas Cock Wrench (can be Non-sparking Emergency Multi-Tool below) - Tool to access and turn off water service to the property (will depend on valve style, Multi-Tool below may suffice) At Each Bedside 1 Flashlight w/ fresh batteries or plug-in rechargeable style within reach while still in bed * 1 Crowbar or Wrecking Bar 1 pr. Leather Work Gloves 1 pr. Quick donning Shoes or Boots or, at a minimum, hard soled slippers 1 Robe, minimum - Work Clothes in an easy to grab bag would be best, to put on after safely exiting the residence ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES - Spiritual Resource (Bible, Koran, etc.) 1 Non-sparking Emergency Multi-Tool (turns off gas cocks and has other uses) 1 Selection of nails, machine, wood or drywall screws, wire nuts, nuts and bolts 1 Bolt Cutters 1 Manual Rotary Can Opener 1 Portable C.B. Radio w/ batteries** and auto power adapter and/or 1 Cellular Phone with auto power adapter and additonal source for charging batteries and/or 1 Satellite Phone with auto power adapter and additonal source for charging batteries 1 Alarm Clock/Alarm Wrist Watch 1 12 ga. Shotgun - stainless steel w/ composite stock w/ min. 1 box of 00 shells*



Do not include any firearm unless you have received proper firearm and defensive weapons training. Be extremely cautious about including any firearms if there are children in the group who have not received firearm safety training. 1 Camping Lantern w/ fuel 1/person Large capacity Backpack (children too, except infants and toddlers) 1 Tool Kit in tool roll, bag, case or box, Craftsman or better quality, recommended minimum contents:

1 - Set Asst. Screwdrivers, Straight Tip and Phillips

1 - Slip Joint Pliers - 7" or 8"

1 - Channel Lock Pliers - 9"

1 - Wire Cutters/Dykes - 6" or 7"

1 - Needle Nose Pliers - 6"

1 - Lineman's Pliers - 7" or 8"

1 - Combination Open & Box End Wrench Set, 1/4" - 13/16" or 1"

1 - Pipe Wrench - 9" or 10"

1 - Pipe Wrench - 12"

1 - Adjustable Wrench - 6"

1 - Adjustable Wrench - 9"

1 - Adjustable Wrench - 12"

1 - Vise-Grip Pliers - medium

1 - Vise-Grip Pliers - standard

1 - Hacksaw frame and 10 bi-metal blades

1 - Utility Knife w/ min. 50 spare blades

1 - Pipe Cutter

1 roll Teflon Tape Optional 3/8 in. drive Socket Set, 1/4" - 13/16" or 1"

Hex Key Wrench Set

Set Punch and Chisels 1 Electrical Generator, 2500 to 6000 watts, recoil start w/ minimum 1 week's Fuel (at 12 hours/day) and Oil as required and maintenance kit 2 100 ft. 12 ga. three wire All Temp HD Industrial Grade Extension Cord 2 50 ft. 14 ga. three wire All Temp HD Industrial Grade Extension Cord 4 2 ft. 12ga. 3 wire Industrial 3 Outlet Power Center (or get above cords with built-in 3 outlet power center) or (for additional protection, but at much greater cost) 4 Short Cord, 4 Outlet Portable Ground Fault Interrupter

FOR AREAS WITH BUG PROBLEMS LIKELY 1/person Mosquito Head Net 1/person Mosquito Netting to cover sleeping area 1/person large bottle Insect Repellant FOR THOSE WITH INFANTS - FOR EACH INFANT - Clothing and Sleeping Apparel as appropriate - Baby Blanket - Stuffed Animal, Toys and Games - Baby Carrier, if appropriate Provide a 14 day supply of the following: - Pediatric Medicines and Medical Supplies as appropriate - Special foods as appropriate w/ bottles, bottle brush, etc. if needed. (if canned, insure can opener available) (NOTE: If nursing, mother's milk supply may be affected by shock of crisis, injuries or even death and cannot be relied upon) - Disposable Diapers, etc. as appropriate - Disposable Cleansing Cloths ("Wet Ones," etc) FOR THOSE WITH PETS - Bowls for food and water - Leash, Chain, Folding Cage, etc. to maintain control. For each pet, provide a 7 day supply of the following - Pet Medicines and Medical Supplies as appropriate - Pet Food (if canned, insure can opener available) FOR THOSE LIVING WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF, OR IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SEA 1 Manually Operated Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (this device turns salt water into fresh water - not to be used as a fresh water filter/purifier) FOR AREAS WITH TREES OF SIGNIFICANT SIZE AND ABUNDANCE 1 Gas Powered Chain Saw, minimum 16 inch, 18 - 20 inch preferred, w/ 2.5 - 5 gal. Fuel* and Oil as required, chain saw sharpener file w/ guide, spare chain, maintenance kit and safety gear EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES TO BE STORED IN HOME FOR REPAIRS, IF HOUSE IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND, BUT IS NO LONGER WEATHERTIGHT - HD Plastic sheet sufficient to cover all windows and roof plus 50% extra - Additional rolls HD Plastic as desired - Wood Lath sufficient to go around all windows and roof edges plus 25% extra (if frame construction) - HD Staples and Stapler or Nails for securing lath

or

adequate quantity of Duct Tape for securing plastic to window frame if masonry or stucco building 1 Cross Cut Hand Saw (Stanley brand "Short Cut" saw recommended) 1 Measuring Tape, 20 ft. 1 HD Shovel w/ Fiberglass handle 1 6 - 8 ft. Step Ladder 1 Extension Ladder (tall enough to reach highest point on house) or 1 Multi-Position/Function Folding Ladder capable of both uses above * Limited useful life. All medications and many medical supplies also have a limited useful life. Keep track of expiration dates and replace as required.

Automobile Disaster Preparedness Kit NOTE:Adjust quantities to suit vehicle capacity. Based on potential three day stay away from primary emergency supply, arrival at safe haven or arrival of organized assistance. Qty. Survival Equipment or Supplies EMERGENCY DEVICES GROUP 1 Crow Bar or Wrecking Bar - Within reach of driver!*

NOTE: Apparently there are places that consider a tool such as this hidden in a car to be prima fascia evidence that you are a burgler or if within reach, that it is a concealed weapon. If that is the case, an alternative would be a Window Punch (a spring-loaded center punch) or a tool such as the RES-Q-ME or Life Hammer or similar tool that incorporate the means to break a car side or rear window and cut a seat belt. Note that another reason for having the Wrecking Bar is to allow you to break into your own trunk or a structure to get to equipment, supplies or trapped persons. 1 Fixed Blade Stainless Steel Hunting Knife, 4" to 6" plain edge blade, w/ Sheath 1 Leatherman "Super-Tool" or equivalent heavy durty multi-tool 1 Knife Sharpener 1 Glock "Field Spade," Gerber "Folding Shovel" or other folding/collapsing shovel 1 Bright Waterproof LED Flashlight 4 Spare Alkaline or Lithium Batteries for Flashlight* 3 "Cyalume" or "Snap-Light" Chemical Lightsticks, 12 hr. or electronic equivalents such as "Krill Lights"* 1 Butane Fueled Lighter 25 Windproof/Waterproof Matches SHELTER GROUP 1/person Heavy Duty Poncho 1/person Sportsman's Emergency Blanket or Thermal Blanket 1 10 x 10 (minimum size) lightweight tarp. MEDICAL GROUP 1 Well Equipped Medical / First Aid Kit supplemented w/ extra supplies, bandages, and prescription drugs * The following quantities include those in the medical kit 1 "SAM Splint" emergency splint 4 Trauma Dressing or equal 4 Gauze Compress 1 Elastic Bandage, 3" 2 Triangular Bandage 8 pr. Latex Surgical Gloves WATER and FOOD GROUP 1+ gallon(s)

per person Water in sturdy containers w/ screw on caps* - Water Disinfectant Tabs to treat 24 quarts of water/person - 1,200 Kcal/day Survival Rations / per person * - Misc. foodstuffs, hard candy, gum, etc. PERSONAL PROTECTION GROUP 1 roll Toilet Paper 1 Hand Sanitizer, large bottle* 25 Packaged Wipes* 1pr./person Leather Work Gloves 1/person Hard Hats 1/person Safety Goggles 10/person Premium Dust/Mist Respirators, disposable 1/person Bandanna or Cravat 1 Sturdy Backpack(s) to hold all the items in this kit 1 Change Outdoors/Work Clothing appropriate to climate, for each person 3 day

supply Tampons or Sanitary Napkins/Pads, for each women who menstruates

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SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Please review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this site.

Publisher and Editor: Doug Ritter

Email: Doug Ritter

URL: http://www.equipped.org/earthqk.htm

Revision: 025 September 20, 2005



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