California has a lot of great resources to get you earthquake ready. Two of them are ShakeOut.org and Ready.gov. There are also a number of free disaster readiness classes that are available.

Monthly

These are tasks that are good to do monthly:

  • Add any new important documents
  • Charge any batteries
  • Print health history
  • Do you need to replace any food or water?
  • Have a plan where you will meet family if cell phone service is down

Storing Food & Water

Storing Water

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

One gallon per person per day, for 3-5 days.

Bleach to purify (2-4 drops per quart) or water purification tablets or a backpacking water filter

Storing Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

Food – Best is easily-stored, ready to eat, shelf life of 1 year. All food should require little or no water to cook – if including pasta, rice or the like, include cans of broth to cook with. Canned food is ideal, and all food should be low salt
Cooking Supplies – Camp stove or barbecue, utensils, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, manual can opener, self-sealing (zip) bags, garbage bags.

There are a number of companies that now sell “disaster rations.” Check to make sure if you have any food allergies (gluten, dairy, etc).

Have Important Family Documents Ready

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

  • Spare Keys
  • Military/DOD identification cards
  • Visa, sojourner’s permit
  • Birth certificate, naturalization papers
  • Dependent care certificate
  • Household goods inventory, POV documents
  • Wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  • Bank account numbers and credit card account numbers and companies
  • Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Storing your Disaster Supplies Kit

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

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Earthquake Kit

Preparing a First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

  • Download a Red Cross app
  • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • Assorted sizes of safety pins
  • Cleansing agent/soap
  • Latex gloves (2 pairs)
  • Sunscreen
  • 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • Triangular bandages (3)
  • Non-prescription drugs
  • 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Needle
  • Moistened towelettes
  • Antiseptic
  • Thermometer
  • Tongue blades (2)
  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricants
  • Non-Prescription Drugs – Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever; Anti-diarrhea medication; Antacid (for stomach upset); Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center); Laxative; and Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air

Preparing Tools and Supplies

  • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
  • Emergency preparedness manual
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Cash or traveler’s checks, change
  • Non-electric can opener, utility knife
  • Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
  • Tube Tent
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Tape
  • Compass
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic storage containers
  • Signal Flare
  • Paper, pencil
  • Needles, thread
  • Medicine Dropper
  • Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Preparing Sanitation Supplies

  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Toilet paper, towelettes
  • Soap, liquid detergent
  • Feminine supplies
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
  • Plastic bucket with a tight lid
  • Disinfectant
  • Household chlorine bleach

Preparing Clothing

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person:

  • Long sleeved shirt
  • Long pants
  • Sturdy shoes or work boots
  • Rain gear
  • Hat and gloves
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate

Preparing Bedding

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Preparing For Babies

  • Formula
  • Diapers
  • Bottles
  • Powdered milk
  • Medications

Preparing For Pets

  • Have shelf stable food
  • Pet carriers
  • Medication for 2 weeks
  • Slip leashes
  • Food and water for one week
  • Evac shelters that allow pets
  • Printed and electronic copies of medical histories
  • Photo of pet, Identification and contact info
  • Shampoo, brush, towels
  • Litter, trash bags

Preparing For Adults

  • Heart and high blood pressure medication
  • Insulin
  • Prescription drugs
  • Denture needs
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Extra eye glasses
  • Local maps
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change

Preparing for Boredom (Entertainment)

  • Books
  • Games
  • Cards
  • Puzzles
  • Other activities for children

Essentials For Your Car

  • Candle
  • Water
  • Blanket
  • Shovel
  • Tarp