Earthquake Preparedness

[nux4lyfe]

With all this earthquake activity going on lately, I thought I'd take the time to remind everyone that this is a good time to prepare an earthquake kit if you already have not done so. I know a lot of us put it off, including myself thinking it won't happen, but, better safe than sorry.

Let's help ourselves be prepared so we can help those who truly need help at the time of emergency.

Evacuation kit (grab-and-go kit)

Every person in your family should have their own customized evacuation kit at home and at work. Keep the kits by the front door, where they will be easy to find if you need to evacuate quickly.

• Backpack or tote bag (to carry the kit items)

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• Bottled water

• Candles and matches or a lighter

• Clothing and shoes (one change, comfortable and all-season)

• First aid kit

• Flashlight and batteries

• Food that requires no cooking

• Glasses or contacts (case and solution)

• Identification, insurance papers and other important documents

• Medication
  • NOTE: Before storing any medications, check with your family doctor or pharmacist.

  [*]

  Money (including coins)

  [*]Phone cards

  [*]Playing cards and games

  [*]Radio and batteries, or crank radio (to listen to news and public advisories)

  [*]Toilet paper and personal hygiene supplies

  [*]Whistle

Special items for babies and toddlers

• Bottled milk

• Diapers

• Formula

• Toys, crayons, and paper

Home kit

During an emergency, you may be able to stay in your home, but might not have heat or electricity. A home kit will help you cope without services for 72 hours. Replace expired food regularly.

• Water
  • At least four litres per person, per day (half for drinking)

  [*]Food

  • Canned foods

  • Crackers and biscuits

  • Honey, peanut butter, syrup, and jam

  • Salt and pepper

  • Sugar

  • Coffee and tea

  [*]Food preparation equipment

  • Knives, forks, and spoons

  • Disposable cups and plates

  • Manual can opener and bottle opener

Pet kit

• Blanket

• Disinfectant

• Canned food and water (two-week supply)

• Cat litter or plastic bags for pet waste

• Feeding bowls and can opener

• Leash

• Paper towel

• Pet first aid kit

• Photo of your pet

• Toys and treats

• Veterinarian and vaccination records in zip-locked bag

Car kit

If you are in your car when an emergency happens, have these life-saving supplies with you.

• Axe or hatchet

• Booster cables

• Cloth or roll of paper towels

• Compass

• Emergency food pack

• Extra clothing or footwear

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit with seat belt cutter

• Flashlight and batteries

• Ice scraper and brush

• Matches and a survival candle in a deep can (to warm hands and drinks)

• Methyl hydrate (to de-ice fuel lines and windshields)

• Road maps

• Sand, salt, or cat litter

• Shovel

• Survival blanket

• Tow chain

• Traction mats

• Warning light or road flare

Check your kits twice per year to replace any expired food, batteries, and medicine. A good reminder to check is when changing your clocks for daylight savings in the spring and fall.

What to do in an earthquake (PDF)

http://vancouver.ca/...-cover-hold.pdf

Feel free to add to the list and add any suggestions, I will try to update it as much as possible.

[Bure1994Mclean]

Definitely looking towards getting a kit or two some time soon.

[Wetcoaster]

We have our kits purchased from Krasicki and Ward Emergency Preparedness

http://www.krasickiandward.com/products_survival_equipment.html

[SkeeterHansen]

Living in the BC Interior I'm unsure I'll need a natural disaster kit of any sort, but I've got a plethera of things in my car at all times

[GodzillaDeuce]

Living in the BC Interior I'm unsure I'll need a natural disaster kit of any sort, but I've got a plethera of things in my car at all times

[Sugar baby watermelon]

Great post!! My girlfriend & I have put together a bug out bag/earthquake kit about six months ago, & we also have some supplies in our truck, (still working on that one), after watching many episodes of Nat Geo's Doomsday Preppers, haha, & when I told peeps at work about our bug out bags, they were laughing it off, well after the last couple earthquakes around here, my coworkers have been doing a complete reversal and asking questions on what to buy/where to buy.

Good point on the pet supplies because we recently got ourself a lil pup!!!

[Wh!stler R!der]

A boat or kayak at home or at work if you in Richmond. A life jacket and wetsuit would be wise as well for the cold Fraser river. Whenever the big one hits Richmond it's sink or swim time.

[PredsFanFromLa]

i probaly don't need a earthquake kit living in louisiana,but i do have a hurricane kit prepared just in case

[Lillooet_Hillbilly]

thats just standard living out in the middle of the interior, no telling when you'll break down on a logging road. And living in a small area we always have food stocked because its a lot cheaper to load up when you go the big city and hit costco. To all disasters i say BRING IT

[Electro Rock]

I have basically all of the above, plus a portable shower, a gravity water filter and looter repellent.

All I really need now is a clothes washing board and a place to store a 55 gallon drum full of drinking water.

Make no mistake, the Lower Mainland will become a zoo in any kind of disaster, even just an extended power outtage would suffice, and most people are going to be on their own for quite a while.

[Scottish⑦Canuck]

I'm currently writing an essay due on earthquake prediction. While CDC was distracting me, I saw this thread, reminding me that I need to get back to work. I can't escape it...