Earthquake Emergency Kits are an Absolute Necessity

Although there are likely to be several things you'll need if a disaster strikes, emergency drinking water is probably the most important of them all. Although most people can go several days without food, going without water will quickly lead to dehydration.

Water supplies are often damaged and contaminated leaving disaster areas without safe drinking water. Even if your water supply is intact, it may only last a short time before it is used up. The solution is to make sure you have drinking water stored up for your entire family just for situations like this.

You can store large containers of water or you can buy small water pouches. Both of these will ensure you have clean water when you need it. At the very least, you should stock up on water purifier in the event that your water does become contaminated so that you have safe water to drink.

Most people don't have a complete first aid kit in their home, let alone an emergency first aid kit. Since you never know when an emergency will strike, it's important to keep your kit stocked. Here are the top items you should include.

• Antiseptic - alcohol swabs, hydrogen peroxide and bactine.


• Ointment - both an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin and a burn ointment.


• Cotton - to clean wounds and apply antiseptics and ointments.


• Bandages - multiple sizes, butterfly bandaids and an ace bandage as well.


• Gauze - include squares and a roll of gauze.


• Surgical tape - either plastic or paper tape.


• Scissors - to cut gauze and tape.


• Cold Pack - the type you break to make cold.


• Pain Reliever - tylenol and ibuprofen are good choices.


• Hand sanitizer - to prevent infection.


• Latex Gloves - to protect yourself.

Most importantly, remember that once you put your kit together not to borrow from it. The last thing you want is to open your kit when you need it and find that the necessary supplies are not in there.

When it comes to survival, children have different needs than adults. Although many survival kits are packaged as "one size fits all" there are special children's survival kits that take into consideration a child's needs. Discover the differences and then decide if you need a seperate kit for your child.

The first difference is in the size of the food portions. Children do not need as many calories as an adult and may not be able to eat as much as an adult in a single portion. This helps eliminate waste and also meets their needs.

Secondly, items like ponchos and blankets are smaller. Adult items may be way too large for a child to wear comfortably. In a child's kit they are sized to fit someone 11 years and younger.

Lastly, a children's survival kit typically includes items to help occupy and entertain a child. It may contain things like coloring books and small toys which help keep kids calm in a disaster.

Although it's not an absolute necessity, children's survival kits are a nice addition to your supplies. Best of all, you can be sure that you have items that are specially made for a child.

We often think of only our family members when preparing for an emergency like an earthquake, but what about your pets? They will also need enough supplies to keep them healthy and a pet emergency kit should be included as part of your emergency kit.

Primarily, you will need supplies like food and water for your pet as well as bowls to serve them in. Other things like treats are a bonus and would probably help ease your pet's anxiety, but they are not necessary. If it's part of your pet's daily routine, then definitely include them.

Secondly, you'll need some comfort items like a pet bed or blankets. It can be hard on an animal when they sense a stressful situation, so these things will help keep them more calm. They can also help keep them warm if it happens to be cold.

Lastly, you can include things like toys and a leash. Remember that animals like dogs need to move and go outside to relieve themselves. The exercise can help ease the stress for everyone.

When making your preparations for a disaster and packing up your supplies, make sure you don't forget your pet. They will need many of the same things that you will and anything else that helps to keep them relaxed.