You may never need an home earthquake kit, but when they are needed, you will be thankful you took the time to prepare for disaster ahead of time rather than scrambling to create a one the day of disaster.

Earthquake kits contain the items and supplies needed to live through an earthquake, even if this means sheltering in one place until help arrives.

Disasters can strike without warning, so it is crucial to be prepared just in case.

You can't tell when an earthquake will strike, but you can learn how to be prepared if it happens.

Even if you live in the path of a tsunami, an earthquake kit can help you survive.

So if you live in a prone area, it is vital to put an earthquake kit together.

Most earthquake kits contain essential items, such as food and water, blankets and batteries for flashlights and radios.

You want to include your identification documents; and your family's medical and psychological records. In addition, you want to have enough supplies to last for three to five days.

It is vital to have additional items to help you get through the aftermath, so keep that in mind when putting your kit together.

If you have children, it is important to remember that they will need more food than you. Children can and often lose a lot of their appetite when stressed.

What Sets Earthquake Kits Apart?

Earthquake Kits are designed by experts who have experience with many different earthquakes.

They know how these disasters will affect the people and their homes.

When creating these kits, experts consider the structure, foundation, and soil conditions.

The kits include most of the things needed in the event of an earthquake.

You want to make sure the kit is packed in a sturdy, convenient backpack and has a carry handle on top.

And make sure you get a kit that is made from tough and durable material, so it's water-resistant and can be stored just about anywhere for quick access.

The main difference between kits can be determined by the purpose they were designed for.

The kits contain basic utensils and essential items, such as batteries, water, and food.

They can be customized for specific needs and often include things for people with special needs.

When it comes down to it, each kit is used differently, and it depends on the needs of the individual.

What Should You Put in a Kit

Most kits have basic items such as a flashlight or lantern, medical items, water, food, and first aid supplies.

Additional items may include other supplies, such as batteries, candles, blankets, matches, a whistle, and other items necessary for survival.

You can, and I do suggest that you customize your kit.

Think about what things you would need if an earthquake were to occur, and then plan to add those items to your kit.

Make sure you think out of the box when deciding what to put in your kit; don't limit yourself.

I often found myself building my earthquake kit from the items I had on hand, like a tote bag or a box.

The key, however, is to always find items with a shelf life that will keep you prepared for an earthquake.

Some of the basic items are:

1. LED flashlight (all H3s)

• The first item you'll need is a small LED light in an emergency.
• These flashlights work great. You can always use a regular flashlight if you don't have an LED.

2. Lanterns

• Lanterns, like flashlights, can be used to provide illumination, even in dark basements.
• You should test your flashlights and lanterns every three months or yearly quarter.

3. Water bottles

• Water bottles can be used for drinking water and can also purify water with iodine tablets.
• You can keep both bottles with iodine tablets in them, just in case.

4. Batteries

• Batteries are essential. We use them in flashlights and lanterns, radios, cell phones, and many other devices.
• Maintain a two-week supply of batteries at all times. You may want to keep a variety of batteries, like AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V.
• Batteries are vital in a survival situation and can be used to recharge your phone and flashlight.

5. Multi-purpose tool

• A multi-purpose tool is a type of tool that can open containers, cut wood, saw, tighten screws, and many other things.
• A multi-purpose tool is an essential tool in a survival situation.
• You want it to have knife blades, saw blades, pliers, a can opener, and other tools that you can attach to the handle.
• You'll be shocked at how handy it is.

6. Fully-stocked first aid kit

• A well-stocked first-aid kit will aid in the treatment of minor injuries and diseases.
• Band-Aids and antiseptic wipes can save lives, especially during a natural disaster.
• You can keep a medicine bottle, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic wipes on hand.
• You can keep these items in your first aid kit or a plastic container and use that as your first aid kit.

7. Toilet paper/Paper

• Having some toilet paper in your kit will help when nature calls.
• We all know that toilet paper is hard to come by after a natural disaster. So don't be embarrassed to have toilet paper on hand.
• It just means that you are well prepared.
• Paper can help you stay organized and write notes. It's helpful to write directions, phone numbers, and other vital items.
• You can also write notes in pencil on a pad of paper.

Some other miscellaneous supplies

You want to include some other items, like traveler's checks.

These will come in handy if you need cash because banks may be closed.

Of course, you can keep some money on hand, but traveler's checks are safer and easier to carry.

Also, keep copies of any critical papers in a secure location, such as your passport, birth certificate, and driver's license.

You want to make sure to keep these somewhere safe because you may need them at some point in time.

Sometimes, you have to get out of a bad situation and remember to improvise.

Clean clothes are one item that may help you recover more quickly after an earthquake.

Make sure you have clothes that you can wear in warm and chilly weather.

You may also need warm clothing for nighttime emergencies depending on your location.

Make sure to check the expiry dates of any food or medication in your emergency kit.

If it goes bad, don't use it. So keep these things in mind when putting together your home earthquake kit.

Finding the right supplies is only half the battle.

Remember, in most cases; this is temporary, so you'll want to bring things with you that will make it more comfortable.

Once you have all of your supplies together, you are ready to put them in your kit.

Packing your equipment can be tricky and takes some time.

Everything needs to be safe and secure, and you don't want it to be bulky.

When building your kit, think about where you will go and what you need to accomplish. 

Make Your Kit More Resistant to Earthquakes

Make sure you have made your kit waterproof and earthquake resistant.

A waterproof pack and bag will help prevent leaks in case of emergency.

Unfortunately, this is one thing that most people tend to overlook.

Keeping a backup list is another important tip. In an emergency, you will likely not be able to retrieve your kit right away.

So, make sure to keep one packed away somewhere safe. It's always better to have too many supplies than not enough.

To sum it up

There are many things to consider when trying to put together a home earthquake kit.

You need first to decide if you're preparing for an earthquake or some other type of disaster.

Then, you need to think about what kind of disaster you're preparing for and how much space you have to store supplies.

Once you've decided what you're preparing for, you can start to make a list of the items you'll need to have on hand.

If you have pets, this is another factor to consider. If your pets are small, they can be brought inside with you and will stay with you.

If your pet is too large to get inside, or you don't want to bring them inside, then you'll have to have a plan for them.

If you have a garden, that could be another factor in deciding what you'll need to have on hand.

If you're preparing for a hurricane, you'll need some different items than if you're preparing for an earthquake.

In conclusion, putting together a home earthquake kit is something everyone can do.

Most people already have most of the things they will need. Just follow the steps outlined here, and you will be good to go!