Earthquake Kit

Earthquakes!

Are you ready for the big one?  Do you know what to do during an Earthquake?

Quick Tips during the shake:

• Drop, cover, and hold on when the ground starts shaking.

• If you are inside, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.

• If a sturdy table or desk is not available, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the room.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall on you, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during shaking.

• If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

• If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay inside the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution; avoid roads, overpasses, bridges, or ramps until you know they are safe.

Earthquake Box Essentials for San Francisco

1. Water:

   • One gallon per person per day (minimum 7 days due to possible delays in urban disaster recovery).

   • Include collapsible water containers for storage and water purification tablets for water from public sources.

2. Food:

   • Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (ready-to-eat canned meals, freeze-dried foods).

   • Focus on lightweight, high-energy options due to limited space in San Francisco homes.

   • Manual can opener or pull-tab cans.

3. First Aid Kit:

   • Standard supplies (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers).

   • Include N95 masks for air quality issues (common after fires following earthquakes).

   • Stock extra prescription medications or medical supplies unique to household members.

4. Lighting and Power:

   • LED flashlight and extra batteries.

   • Solar-powered or hand-crank phone chargers (helpful in a tech-heavy area).

   • Glow sticks for long-lasting, safe light.

5. Radio:

   • Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for emergency alerts.

6. Shelter and Warmth:

   • Emergency blankets (lightweight but warm).

   • Compact tarps and duct tape for makeshift shelter (useful if windows break).

   • Extra layers (San Francisco can get chilly, even in summer).

Urban-Specific Considerations

7. Hygiene and Sanitation:

   • Portable toilet bags and a bucket with a lid for sanitation in small spaces.

   • Hand sanitizer and moist towelettes (space-saving).

   • Trash bags and ties for waste management.

8. Navigation and Safety Tools:

   • Local maps (cell service may be down).

   • A whistle to signal for help in crowded or collapsed areas.

   • Multipurpose tool with glass breaker and cutting edge for urban hazards.

9. Cash and Documents:

   • Cash in small bills (ATMs may be down).

   • Copies of deeds, leases, insurance policies, IDs, and utility bills (these can prove residency for aid).

For Specific Needs in San Francisco

10. Pets:

    • Food, water, and a collapsible bowl.

    • Pet carrier and leash (urban settings may require quick transport).

    • Familiar comfort items (toy, blanket) to reduce pet stress.

11. Comfort Items:

    • Books, cards, or games (limited outdoor options post-earthquake).

    • Personal comfort items (photos, small mementos).

12. Community Preparedness:

    • Create a contact list for neighbors and local support groups.

    • Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter and hospitals.