Home Kit

Electrical, water, transportation, and other vital systems can be disrupted for several days after a large earthquake. To help your family cope after a strong earthquake, store a Home Disaster Kit in an easily accessible location, preferably near an exit in your house or near the exit to your garage. Kit contents should be stored in watertight containers that can be easily moved and should hold at least a 3 to 5 day supply of the following items:

Essentials

  • Drinking water (minimum of one gallon per person per day) – 7 day supply is recommended
  • Food, at least a 3 – 5 day supply (7 day supply is recommended) of non-perishable food including cooking utensils, a manual can opener, and matches
  • First aid supplies, and essential hygiene items, such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • A hand-cranked or battery-operated radio (and spare batteries)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if needed
  • Fire extinguisher: minimum UL Rating 2A: 10 B, C (or higher 3A, 40B, C) – with a metal head and with a hose and nozzle
  • Work gloves (leather), protective goggles, and dust masks (N95)
  • Items to protect you from the elements, such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks, blankets, and perhaps even a tent (or plastic sheeting with duct tape)
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Cash and quarters (for the pay telephone)
  • Cell phones and chargers
  • Wallet, purse, and checkbook
  • Photo of each family member

Additional Emergency Supplies to Consider

  • Prescription medications and glasses – 30-day supply
  • Documents that are not easily replaced or are needed immediately after a disaster, such as copies of insurance policies, telephone numbers for family and relatives, family and pet identification photos, and other necessary financial records, home inventory; can be put on a flash drive(s) and/or in a safe and/or in a safety deposit box and/or the “cloud”
  • Eating utensils and dish soap
  • Paper and a writing instrument
  • Easy access to sleeping bags
  • An extra change of clothing for family members
  • Camping stove
  • Ponchos
  • Laptop with power cord
  • Sleepwear

Supplies for Unique Needs

For Babies

  • Formula, powdered milk, extra feeding bottles
  • Diapers, diaper rash ointment, and moist towelettes
  • Medications

For Children

  • Books, games, puzzles, and other activity items
  • Favorite blanket and stuffed animal

For Adults

  • Denture needs
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses

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Home Kit – Printer Version