subject: An Earthquake is Time for Disaster Kits [print this page] Over the past couple of weeks, the area around Mexicali, Mexico, and southern California experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquakes are somewhat to be expected when you're located near a fault line, but, nevertheless, this number was fairly high for the area. Although cities like San Diego and Los Angeles experienced the aftershock of the quake, no one knows if this quake is simply a pre-shock that preludes one even stronger. With this type of earthquake, as with any natural disaster, you need to be prepared beforehand. One way to do this is by making up a disaster kit of supplies you may need to sustain yourself for a few days.
A recent article discusses residents of this part of California putting together disaster preparedness kits. Some items mentioned in the article included flashlights, first aid kits, and shut off wrenches. But, while these are necessary supplies for any earthquake, more are needed. As you or a group of people may be isolated for a few days, enough materials need to be provided for food and water, waste, and tending minor injuries. One option, if you're unsure of the necessary supplies to have on hand for a disaster, is to purchase a separate disaster preparedness kit.
One of these kits contains enough supplies to sustain yourself without any assistance for a few days after a natural disaster like an earthquake. While these kits come in sizes for individuals, workplaces, and schools, all contain the same types of supplies. This includes 2400-calorie food bars to feed yourself, water with purification tablets, and also a waste basket. This aren't the only supplied needed, and standard disaster items, such as flashlights, duct tape, a radio, and gas shut off tool, are included. Such a kit is designed to contact help, secure your surroundings, and support yourself for a few days until help arrives.
