SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Earthquakes are a fact of life for residents in California. People are urged to keep emergency supply kits, also known as go bags, ready and at hand for when “the big one” strikes. Here is what emergency management officials say every kit should include.
Go bags should have enough supplies to last at least three days, according to the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, and each individual in a household should have their own. Separate emergency kits should also be left in vehicles in case a major earthquake occurs while away from home and on the road, the California Earthquake Authority recommends.
Earthquake near San Jose rocks Bay Area early Thursday morning
The following items should go in each kit, which can be a backpack, a bag, or a bucket with a handle:
- One gallon of water per person per day, to be used for drinking and sanitation
- Non-perishable food supply that requires no refrigeration or preparation and uses little or no water (don’t forget the manual can opener)
- First aid kit that also includes pain reliever, multiple pairs of medical gloves, hand sanitizer, and an N95 mask
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Emergency foil blanket and multiple disposable, air-activated heat packs
- Wet wipes and garbage bags for personal sanitation
- Power pack for charging phones
- Whistle
- Multitool/Swiss Army knife
- Work gloves
- Change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
- Pet food and water for furry family members, as well as current photos in case they get lost
- Cash in small denominations
- Important documents, including identification and insurance cards
Additional items to include that are more specific to individual circumstances include infant formula and baby supplies, a seven-day supply of food and water for pets, and up to a seven-day supply of any life-saving medications, as well as copies of prescriptions. Spare eyeglasses or contacts are also recommended for prescription wearers.
The long list of supplies may take some time to gather into one place, which is why emergency officials urge residents to take care of it now…