A Guide for Earthquake/Emergency Survival

So what do you know about Earthquake/Emergency Survival - and are You Prepared?

Enough to get you by should you encounter?. Somehow I don't think there is any complete or right answer to those questions, especially after what Japan and now the Philippines have experienced, so before going any further, let us take a moment to remember the thousands that were killed,and the millions left without food, water, power, and those who are still suffering.

I knew very little about earthquake/emergency survival until relocating to California, where after experiencing a few of them decided to expanded my knowledge, of which I hope shall never have to put to use.

Throughout this lens I have included some equipment that is recommended by various emergency services, and information that could be useful in not only an earthquake, but other emergency situation. There is no way I can cover everything, nor would I attempt too, however, I would very much appreciate that if you feel I have missed any important information or equipment from this lens to drop me a line and I shall endeavor to include.

Image credit: kornilov14 / 123RF Stock Photo

Emergency Disaster Survival Kit

Making your own Emergency Survival Kit could work out cheaper, there again you might not get the right item(s), or you could forget to add something very important, that's why I recommend, and am going with these fully booted and spurred survival packs, you can't go wrong with one of these. Survival Packs, contents vary depending on what pack you opt for, but in general, and what you should aim for is: a Dynamo AM/FM radio and flashlight (hand crank), some light sticks, Magnesium Fire starter, Emergency reflective sleeping bags, Ponchos, a tube tents, some candles, US Coast Guard approved Food Bars with a 5 year shelf life (SOS brand coconut flavor), US Coast Guard approved Water Pouches with a 5 year shelf life, bottle of Potable Aqua water purification tablets (Aquamira brand), multi-tool knife, whistle, rope, work gloves, masks, first aid kit, hygiene kit (toothbrushe, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, tissues,wet naps, shampoo), roll of toilet paper, note pad, pencil, sewing kit and an Emergency Preparedness Guide on HOW TO PREPARE FOR ANY DISASTER which gives you the steps to preparedness. It includes emergency checklists, preparedness tips, what to do before, during and after a disaster.

Emergency Zone Survival Kit for 4 Person

Emergency Zone Deluxe Survival Kit for 4 Person

Emergency Zone Deluxe Survival Kit for 2 Person

Don't forget the little ones!

This survival kit was designed to meet the needs of a child 11 years and younger. This quality kit is packaged securely in a Child Deluxe Hikers Backpack.

The kit includes the following: Food and Water - Light and Communication equipment - Shelter and Warmth items such as: Winter Gloves - N95 Respirator Dust Mask - Hygiene and Sanitation items

Battery Storage Organizers and More!

What about the Pets?

Even pet's need to be taken care of in an emergency! So what about this Grab 'n go Small Dog Evacuation Kit.

You get three day emergency essentials that you will need for your pet in an emergency. This Emergency Kit Contains: 5 Year Shelf Life Dog Food, 3-Water Pouches 4.225-Ounce, Pet Water Bowl, Pressed Rawhide Bone, Chew Rope, 6-Pet Waste Bags, 15-Foot Tie Out Leash, Pet Wipes, Pet ID Tag, 3-Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes, 1-Inch Gauze Roll, Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packet, 1-Pair Nitrile Gloves, Pet Carrier

1. If you are INDOORS--STAY THERE! (Get under a desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a hallway or get against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the bldg is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.

2. If you are OUTSIDE-- get into the OPEN, away from bldgs, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.

3. If you are DRIVING--stop, but carefully. Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. DO NOT stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops. When you RESUME driving watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.

4. If you are in a MOUNTAINOUS AREA--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.

What a product, I investigated and reviewed many power-packs, but nothing much matched the Duracell Power-Pack 450 for price, reliability and options, I liked it so much I went out and purchased it. The Power-Pack 450 has everything you will ever need during an emergency, whether it's an Earthquake, Power Failure, Car Issues, or just a Camping or Fishing Trip, it's all here from Duracell, a household trusted brand name!

Some great advice here!

How to Protect Yourself During an Earthquake (Courtesy of California Emergency Manning Agency)

Federal, state, and local emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations all agree that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. If you cannot Drop, Cover, and Hold On, there are modified actions you should immediately take to protect your head and neck.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On and its modifications:

The main point is to not try to move, but immediately protect yourself as best possible right where you are. Earthquakes occur without any

warning and may be so violent that you cannot walk, crawl or steer a wheelchair; you therefore could likely be knocked to the ground where you happen to be. You will never know if the initial jolt will turn out to be start of the big one. How to protect yourself in various locations, depending on your situation.

INDOORS: If you are able, "DROP to the ground immediately; take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. If you use a wheelchair or have other mobility impairments and cannot Drop, Cover, and Hold On, protect your head and neck with a pillow or your arms, and bend over to protect yourself if you are able.

IN BED: Stay there and hold on; protect your head with a pillow.

HIGH-RISE OR A PUBLIC BUILDING: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or protect your head and neck as best possible. Do not use elevators. When the shaking subsides move to the designated zones for evacuation and wait for assistance by first responders.

OUTDOORS: Move to a clear area away from wires, buildings, and anything else that could fall and hurt you, but only if you can safely do so. Otherwise stay where you are and Drop Cover and Hold On or protect your head and neck as best possible.

STADIUM OR THEATER: Drop Cover and Hold On or protect your head and neck. Protect your head and neck with your arms as best possible. Don't try to leave until the shaking is over.

DRIVING: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid bridges and overhead hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.

WHAT NOT TO DO: If your mobility is limited, it is particularly important that you DO NOT try to get to a "safer place" or get outside. Movement will be very difficult, and studies of injuries and deaths caused by earthquakes in the U.S. over the last several decades indicate that you are much more likely to be injured by falling or flying objects (TVs, lamps, glass, bookcases, etc.) than to die in a collapsed building.

GET READY BY SECURING YOUR SPACE: There are simple actions you and your support team can take today that will protect you in your home if an earthquake happens tomorrow. START NOW by moving furniture such as bookcases away from beds, sofas, or other places where you sit or sleep. Move heavy objects to lower shelves. Then begin to look for other items in your home that may be hazardous in an earthquake. Some actions may take a bit longer to complete, but all are relatively simple. Most hardware stores and home centers now carry earthquake safety straps, fasteners, and adhesives. Additional information, including how-to instructions, is available at www.earthquakecountry.org.

Kaito KA404 Emergency Hand Crank Dynamo 5-LED Flashlight with AM/FM radio

Wind 'N Go Flashlight

Wind 'N Go Portable Lantern/Radio

Etón SCORPION NSP100OR Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio

(Orange)

When emergencies or outdoor adventures take you off the grid, you need a device that can meet your multiple needs. My choice here is the Scorpion Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio which is a compact unit that you can easily store in a safety kit or toss in your rucksack and take with you anywhere you go. With the rugged exterior skin and aluminum carabiner, the SCORPION is designed to endure any extreme outdoor conditions or emergency situation you may find yourself in the midst of.

The emergency essential features include a crank powered handle, built-in LED flashlight, and USB/cell phone charger. The high-quality digital AM/FM tuner provides you with news, entertainment and public service announcements. Not only that, but it also integrates a NOAA Weather Band receiver that brings you weather forecasts, alerts and other emergency messages - information vital to backpackers and travelers.

In addition to the crank powered handle, the Scorpion also includes a powerful solar panel with a battery charge indicator to ensure that you're always aware of the amount of power you have remaining. The digital tuner/display allows for precise tuning and optimal reception everywhere you go. And if that wasn't enough, there is an AUX-in for the pure enjoyment of music from an iPod or mp3. It's perfect for any room in your house or any outdoor venue.

1. DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it

2. DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire

3. DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. You could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. If the phone doesn't work send someone for help

4. DO NOT expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. They may not be available.

Lost power during an emergency or need something charged when on a camping trip? I love this little gadget so much, that I went out and purchased it :-)

1. WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocks

2. CHECK FOR INJURIES (if a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available; If a person is not breathing administer CPR; DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury; COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm; SEEK medical help for serious injuries

3. CHECK FOR HAZARDS (Fire hazards--put out fires in your home or neighborhood immediately, call for help; Gas leaks--shut off main gas valve ONLY if you suspect a leak because of broken pipes or odor; Damaged electrical wiring--Shut off power at the control box if there is any danger to house wiring; Downed or damaged utility lines--do not touch downed power lines or any objects in contact with them;

4. SPILLS--clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, or other harmful materials such as bleach, lye, gas;

5. DOWNED OR DAMAGED CHIMNEYS--Approach with caution--don't use damaged chimney (it could start fire or let poisonous gases into your house;

6. FALLEN ITEMS--beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open doors of closets and cupboards;

7. CHECK FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES--Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass; If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or frozen foods (food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days; Don't light your kitchen stove if you suspect a gas leak;

8. USE BBQ or camp stoves, outdoors only for emergency cooking; If your water is off you can drink supplies from water heaters, melted ice cubes or canned vegetables (AVOID drinking water from swimming pools or especially spas--it may have too many chemicals in it to be safe.)

These are ideal for hiking, traveling, and emergency preparedness, good clean water, and lots of it is essential to our survival. It is recommended that you have at least 1 gallon of water, per person per day.

Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System

Katadyn Hiker Water Microfilter

Lifesaver Bottle 4000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle

Water: 1 gallon per person per day - Purifying agents - Food: 3 day supply of non-perishable food - Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables - Dried or canned juices and soups - Staples - Sugar, salt and pepper - Candy, peanut butter, nuts, and jelly - Vitamins.

First Aid - Sterile adhesive bandages and gauze pads - Scissors - tweezers and needle. Soap and moistened towelettes - Antiseptic spray - Safety pins and a safety razor blade - Prescription drugs needed for family members.

Clothes: Sturdy shoes or boots - Rain gear - Hat, gloves, and thermal underwear - Sleeping bags or blankets.

Pets: Food, water and medication - Leash,rope and or carriage cage - Make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations - Depending on pet, attach identification tag. List an emergency number out-of-state as well as a local number.

Deluxe 2-Person Perfect Survival Kit for Emergency Disaster Preparedness for Earthquake, Hurricane, Fire, Evacuations, Auto, Home and FamilyBUY NOW!

Other Items you should consider: A minimum of $100 in cash, at least half of which should be in small denominations - Family photos and descriptions (to aid emergency personnel in finding missing people) - Copies of personal identification and important papers such as insurance documents, driver's license, etc - Signal mirror - Flare: three fires in a triangle is the international distress signal - Laser pointer with lithium batteries, for superior signaling range - Surveyor's tape - orange or chartreuse for marking location for rescuers - Pen/pencil and paper for leaving notes to rescuers about direction of travel - Compass - Trail maps/charts (if location is known in advance) - Survival manual for technique reference

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