Tips for tremors III

  • Published
  • By Robert J. Kaschak
  • 452 AMW emergency management technician
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. --  
EMERGENCY KITS

In this third "Tips for tremors" earthquake preparedness column, let's learn how to build an emergency kit for your home. Keeping it simple is always the golden rule here, because over time, as your interest wanes, it's easy to forget to maintain your kit. The following items for your kit are based on FEMA recommendations.

A flashlight is easy to maintain and certainly necessary. Several would be nice; however, make sure they work and then pull the batteries out and set them aside to avoid corrosion.

An AM/FM radio is another item of significance. Again, ensure the radio works and then remove the batteries. A suggested setting for your radios is AM 640, as updated incident information will likely be broadcasted over that setting.

Having a large stockpile of food would be ideal, but it is necessary to have at least a two-week supply of food and water. If you do this, have a plan to periodically check and discard expired food items. Additionally, keep a manual can opener nearby, since there is a good chance you will not have electrical power.

There are all types of first aid kits on the market for purchase, or you can make your own.

Put spare clothes where they are easily accessible, as well as spare shoes.
If you have a predetermined storage place for all these items, it will alleviate stress and time in an emergency when you need to locate them in a hurry.

It is also advisable to keep your important medications in a consistent, easily accessible location. Make sure your supply doesn't get low, because it could be a long time before you could resupply in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Also, identify where you store important documents and make sure you can access them, even if there is major earthquake damage to the building.

Finally, try to store some cash somewhere, because you may not be able to withdraw money using an ATM card. If stores are open, cash may be your only payment option.

Each family will want to customize their emergency kit for their own specific needs, but, if you can cover the basics described here, you have an excellent chance of sustaining yourself if the disaster is far reaching and long-term.

Once again, the question of the next major earthquake in Southern California is not if, but WHEN!