Earthquake preparedness plans and kits can save your life when you least expect it. Since there is no way of predicting when an earthquake will strike, having earthquake emergency kits handy can spell the difference between life and death. Remember that in times of calamities and disasters, paramedics, police, firefighters, and other first responders cannot always arrive when you needed them so you have to be responsible for the safety and survival of yourself and your family until help arrives.

The staples of every earthquake preparedness and kits are first aid supplies, medicines, and several gallons of drinking water and enough food for your whole family that will last for at least three days. You should also include gadgets and tools such as battery operated lights and lamps, transistor radio, and mobile phone or other types of communication device that will help you survive even when there is no electricity and gas. Some people even recommend buying furniture-fastening straps, safety adhesive fasteners, and other implements that can keep your furniture, drawers, cupboards and other fixtures from falling off. Cutting tools and fire extinguishers must also be within easy reach so that you can cut off water and gas pipes and extinguish fire when it happens after the earthquake.

In order to increase survival rate, each member of your family should know where to get your earthquake preparedness supplies and know what to do when an earthquake strikes. Even if you have dozens of earthquake emergency kits scattered in your house, if you do not have any idea how to protect yourself from falling objects and other things that can harm you during and after the quake, your kits will be of little use. So you have to remember to discuss earthquake survival with your family so that they will know what to do wherever they may be. Also, since nobody can be sure what time an earthquake will hit, it is advisable to designate a meeting place for your family in case it is no longer safe to stay in your home.

Disastrous seismic activities are quite rare, but your earthquake preparedness gear can also be used during other emergency and disaster situations. Just make sure that you immediately replenish your supplies after using them for other purposes. Also, do remember to check your kits every six to twelve months to replace stored water, canned goods and other food items, and medicines.