A few hours ago, I felt my condo sway back and forth as if it were a ship, my computer monitor started shaking, and all of the items on my desk began rattling. As any person who resides in Los Angeles does, I immediately got on Twitter to verify what I already knew — we'd just had an earthquake. While little earthquakes are common in California, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that this July 4, 2019 Southern California earthquake registered at a 6.6, which is the largest quake in the area in more than 20 years.
Because the world seems to be marching toward the zombie apocalypse, and this quake is just one more sign that the end is near, chatter amongst my friends quickly turned to disaster kits. Who had one, who was prepared and who wasn't, and what to put in a disaster kit in the first place. Whether it's wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or blizzards, every region of the country eventually experiences some form of natural disaster. And being prepared with a few days of food, water, a first-aid kit, and more can help you stay calm during an emergency.
"After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours," the website Ready.gov, which provides DIY disaster kit instructions, said on its website. "A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency." If you're ready to get started, here's what to put in a disaster kit so you've got what you need when things go sideways.
5
Identification, Emergency Documents, Paper Maps & Cash
The Red Cross recommends making copies of all of your important documents like your identification, passport, and medical information and putting them in your emergency kit. You'll also want to have some cash on hand (small bills are best) so you can purchase essentials if necessary.
If you're sheltering in place after an earthquake, this FEMA checklist covers every possible scenario. Download it now, before you need it. Finally, make sure you have a paper map in the event you have to navigate without GPS, which is highly likely. Seal all of the items in waterproof bags so they'll stay safe and dry during a disaster.
6
Personal Care Items
In addition to emergency items, don't forget personal care items. Stock your kit with travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wipes, sunscreen, tampons, wet toilet paper, and a few rolls of pet waste bags (you can use them to clean up after yourself and your pets).
7
Pet Necessities
While you can certainly stock your own pet items, if you're looking for a pre-packed kit, this one comes with survival items for two dogs. This includes food, water, a leash, first-aid kit, and more. You can also get a disaster kit for cats.
In addition to having an emergency kit, make sure you also agree on an emergency communication plan with family or friends in case you get separated. For example, you can agree to meet at a specific place if you have no way to communicate. While it might not always be possible to carry this plan out, it's best to prepare for every possible outcome.
Being ready before a disaster happens means you'll have to make less decisions in the moment, which goes a long way toward helping you keep a cool head.