| We were fortunate in some respects, I had made | | | | as they don't understand what's happening. |
| a little book to explain earthquakes to our children | | | | Sanitation needs: Even if you use disposable eating |
| and their friends. That was the way we used to | | | | products, you will still need to wash a few things. |
| teach them such things as pulling the blanket up | | | | Dishsoap is a good addition. So is soap to keep |
| over their heads, and it helped them stay calm. | | | | yourselves clean, though you may be able to find |
| Many of the things I'm writing in this article can be | | | | alternatives at a backpacking store. In fact, you |
| applied to many natural disasters. | | | | may find a lot of useful stuff there for your kit. |
| Children are curious, and it's hard to say how | | | | You'll need garbage bags for two reasons, and |
| much they can absorb how soon. They need to | | | | trash is only one. You can convert the bags into a |
| know earthquakes are a part of nature, and if | | | | means of getting rid of human waste as well. |
| they live in a seismically active area they need to | | | | Again, the backpacking store may have better |
| know that. Sit down with them and discuss your | | | | alternatives. Paper products, such as toilet paper, |
| family's disaster plan. | | | | Kleenex and feminine supplies should be added. |
| When you make the earthquake kit, have them | | | | Paper towels are another good addition. |
| help. They will probably have some good ideas. | | | | You'll need a variety of batteries. Flashlights and |
| You can discuss the reasons for many of the | | | | the radio are musts, though you may have a |
| items at the same time. | | | | battery operated TV, game consoles, lanterns |
| Building Your Kit: | | | | and other battery operated products. |
| For the kids: Age appropriate foods should be | | | | Clothing should be added to your kit. If the |
| included. Baby food, formula and the like will have | | | | earthquake happens at night, you're not going to |
| to be rotated out regularly, but it should be in | | | | want to spend the next few days in your |
| there. Other baby and toddler needs include | | | | pajamas. You'll want to rotate the clothes, |
| diapers, wipes, rash cream, teething gel, teething | | | | warmer for winter and cooler for summer. You |
| rings, bottles, "sippy cups," pacifiers and so on | | | | may also want to have blankets, sleeping bags |
| should be included. | | | | and/or a tent. |
| Toys: It might be wise not to show the children | | | | First aid and medications: Earthquakes are violent |
| what toys you are putting into the kit, for two | | | | affairs, and there may be some injuries. If the |
| reasons. They may want to get them out before | | | | quake is big enough, you may have to do some |
| they are needed, and having a nice surprise could | | | | first aid while waiting for professional help. A |
| be a good emotional boost for them. Coloring | | | | standard kit contains pain relievers, antihistamines, |
| books, drawing paper, crayons or markers are a | | | | bandages and the like. These are important, but |
| good start. Older kids might enjoy board games, | | | | you may need more. Some means to stabilize a |
| books and other age appropriate entertainments. | | | | broken bone, hold a gash together and so on are |
| If they have a hand held game (and it manages | | | | also considerations. We have a professionally put |
| to survive the earthquake), extra batteries are a | | | | together emergency kit, plus my addition of |
| good idea. | | | | herbal remedies that may be useful. |
| Other Items: Food for a minimum of three days, | | | | Prescription medications, eye glasses and other |
| but preferably for two weeks. Though it takes up | | | | health aids may need to be stowed in the in your |
| more space, canned goods are better than dry | | | | kit. If you live with an older person, they could |
| goods, due to the possible shortage of water. | | | | need a walker to get around. If you have room, |
| Canned meats, vegetables and fruits are all good. | | | | these are very useful. Extra batteries for hearing |
| You may want to add treat foods, both for you | | | | aids should be available if they are needed. |
| and the kids. Pots, pans, etc. should be available as | | | | As you read this, you may come up with other |
| well as a means to cook your food. | | | | additions to your kit. Bear in mind what I said in a |
| Water is an important addition. You'll need one | | | | previous article, be careful where you store your |
| gallon of water per person per day minimum. | | | | kit. If it's not secured outside, someone very |
| Utilities could be out for as much as two weeks, | | | | easily could swipe it. If it's in your house, you may |
| so keep that in mind when calculating both food | | | | not be able to get to it. In either case, it will do |
| and water. | | | | you no good. |
| Don't forget the pets. Canned and dry pet food | | | | If you are fortunate enough to have an RV or |
| should be kept in your kit. If the pet is a cat, a | | | | travel trailer, you can use it to store your kit. This |
| bag of litter could be useful as well. Again, toys | | | | will allow you to add more things that can help |
| and treats for the pet are not a bad idea, they | | | | maintain some level of comfort in a really |
| will be as stressed as you are, and perhaps more | | | | uncomfortable time. |