Buy Earthquake Survival Kits Online

Earthquakes are unpredictable, can strike suddenly without any sign or warning and may occur almost anywhere in the world at any moment. Each year, there are over a million earthquakes occurring somewhere in the world, ranging from minor or hardly noticeable shakes to tremendous shocks that can cause massive devastation. Furthermore, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the world, since 1900, average around 18 major earthquakes with 7.0 to 7.9 magnitude and another one great earthquake with 8.0 or greater magnitude each year. Worst of all, no one can ever predict where and when a major earthquake will occur, therefore it is important that you prepare yourself and your family for such eventuality, especially if you live in earthquake prone areas.

Everyone is encouraged by government authorities to be prepared and have an earthquake survival kit complete with basic supplies, such as food and potable water, first aid kits and other essential items needed enough to carry you through for at least three days. After a major earthquake disaster there may be chances that you have to rely solely on yourself and your family, as local authorities and rescue workers may not be able to reach your place immediately after the disaster occurs, especially when the roads, bridges, and communication lines have been damaged. Likewise, vital services such as electricity, water, and telephone lines may also be cut off for days or even weeks, depending on the severity of the damages caused by the earthquake. So, it makes sense to stock on emergency supplies ready at hand. Having the right earthquake preparedness kit can be the key to your survival after an earthquake have occurred. You can buy a complete disaster preparedness kit or you can make your own one. Remember to keep one on your home and office, and another one in your car too, so you can feel more comfortable and safer at home, office or while you travel.

The most ideal earthquake survival kits should contain enough basic supplies for at least three days (72 hours) for you and your family to be able to improve your chances of surviving the aftermath of the disaster. Aside from food and water supplies needed for survival, you may also need additional emergency items, such as first aid kits, extra medications, flashlights and extra batteries, personal hygiene and sanitary supplies, and extra clothes. Also remember to keep the kit in easily accessible locations at home, office or on your vehicle, and make sure all of the family members know where it is located. Here is a checklist of essential items that you will need in preparing your earthquake survival kit.

• Potable drinking water in sealed containers (one gallon per day for each person)
• Ready to eat, non-perishable foodstuffs good for at least three days.
  
• Can opener, plates and utensils
  
• First Aid kit with instructions or brochure
  
• Vitamin supplements, prescribed medicines, extra medications and any essential item for the needs of children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
  
• A list of contact numbers
  
• Important items and documents secured in a large and sturdy plastic bag
  
• Sleeping bags or thermal blankets
  
• Clean clothes, raincoats, and sturdy shoes for each family member
  
• Water Filters and purification tablets for water purification
  
• Disaster preparedness manual or handbook
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste, tissue paper, hand towels, hand sanitizer and soap and other sanitary supplies
  
• Extra cash, credit cards
  
• Utility knife, scissors, pliers and wrench
  
• Extra pair of glasses
  
• Cell phones
  
• LED flashlights
  
• Portable AM/FM Radio
  
• Extra batteries
  
• Face mask, to protect yourself from dust and other harmful particles
  
• Emergency whistle
  
• Pet supplies (if you have pets at home)
  
• Backpacks and carrier bags
  

Whether you have decided to buy a complete, ready-made earthquake survival kit or customize you own kit, you will surely find the one that suits your needs or preference. So here is a guide on how to buy an earthquake survival kit.

1. Before making any purchase, determine first how many persons you will need to buy for. Some emergency kits can serve just one person, while some are specially made for families.

2. Consider the needs of each family member. Talk with your family, so you can compile a list of supplies that you can add to your earthquake survival kit.

3. Decide whether to buy a pre-made kit or buy individual items for your own customize kit.

     A.) If you are buying a pre-made kit

• Look for emergency preparedness kits with a longer shelf-life.  Some readymade kits have a five-year shelf life and come in sealed containers.
• Ensure that the kit contains food and water supplies enough for at least 3 days (72 hours) for each person as recommended by experts.
• Ensure that the first aid kit included has all the basic first aid supplies and also include a first-aid handbook.
• Buy kits that come with bags or containers that you can bring along with you, in case you need to evacuate.
• Common supplies found in most readymade emergency prepared kits include food rations, drinking water, thermal blankets, first aid kits, safety light sticks and flashlights. While these supplies are essential, they may not be enough during a severe earthquake where major services may have been disabled, so you may want to buy extra items based on your family’s needs, such as vitamin supplements and extra medications for basic treatments of colds, fever and headache, water purification tablets, sanitation and personal hygiene supplies and other items to make you self-sufficient enough.

     B.) If you have decided to make your own emergency kit.

• Consider buying a large bag or storage container that has easy carrying handles and has enough room for you to easily store essential items needed for your survival.
• When buying food rations, buy non-perishable foodstuffs such as dried meats, canned fish and meat, canned vegetables and fruits, dry cereals, food bars and other ready-to-eat meals.
• Buy potable drinking water in sealed pouches and packs. Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved water ration pouches that come with superior packaging materials and are guaranteed to have at least 5 year life shelves.
• Buy a first aid kit that contains all basic medications for your family, such as adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream and basic medicines.
• Don’t forget to include a flashlight and a portable radio with spare batteries. You may also think of buying self powered flashlights that require no batteries
• Consider buying an adequate shelter; buy tube tents and sleeping bags, and thermal blankets to keep you warm during the cold nights.
• Add more custom supplies (based on your needs) to your kit if necessary.

4. If you have pets at home consider buying an earthquake survival kit made just for them. Look for kits for suppliers that offer emergency essentials you will need for your pet during an emergency.

5. Consider buying Survival Kits for every location, so whether you are at home, at office or in your car, you can have the necessary emergency supplies you will need for your survival in case of an earthquake.

6. Make an inventory of your earthquake survival supplies and other items to make sure that you have included all the items needed.

7. Check or visit websites about disaster management and disaster preparedness such as, fema.gov, 72hours.org, redcross.org and other web resources for additional information on what should be included in your earthquake survival kit.