After an earthquake, you might find yourself stranded in your car and needing to rely on your own resources for an extended period. Being well-prepared means equipping your vehicle with essential supplies to help you survive in the aftermath. A car emergency kit is a collection of fundamental items your household may require if an earthquake or other emergency occurs while you are on the road.
Basic Earthquake Car Kit Essentials
To create your car earthquake kit, store items in airtight, waterproof bags and organize them within one or two easily portable containers like plastic bins or a duffel bag that can remain in your vehicle. Focus on items that are particularly useful in an earthquake scenario, considering the specific dangers and challenges.
A basic earthquake car kit should include these recommended items:
- Water: Crucially important, aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for both drinking and hygiene. Water pouches are space-saving and ideal for car kits.
- Food: Stock your car with a minimum of a several-day supply of non-perishable food. Energy bars, protein bars, canned goods with pop-tops, and dried fruits are excellent choices that require no cooking and are compact.
- Battery-powered or Hand Crank Radio and NOAA Weather Radio with Tone Alert: Essential for receiving emergency broadcasts and updates when cell service may be disrupted after an earthquake.
- Flashlight: Earthquakes can cause power outages. A durable flashlight is vital for visibility, especially if you need to move around in the dark or signal for help. Consider a headlamp to keep your hands free.
- First Aid Kit: Injuries, even minor ones, can occur during and after an earthquake. A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for treating cuts, scrapes, and more serious injuries until professional medical help is available.
- Extra Batteries: Ensure you have extra batteries for your radio and flashlight. Consider a portable power bank for charging cell phones if possible.
- Whistle: If you become trapped or need to signal for help, a whistle is more effective than shouting and will conserve your energy.
- Dust Mask: Earthquakes can generate a lot of dust and debris, especially if buildings collapse. A dust mask (N95 or similar) will help filter contaminated air and protect your respiratory system.
- Plastic Sheeting, Scissors, and Duct Tape: These versatile items are crucial tools to keep in car for earthquake scenarios. They can be used for temporary shelter if your car is damaged, to seal broken windows, or to create a dust barrier.
- Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: Maintaining personal hygiene is important even in a disaster. Moist towelettes are useful for cleaning, and garbage bags with ties are necessary for sanitation.
- Wrench or Pliers: After an earthquake, there may be gas leaks or other utility hazards. Knowing how to turn off utilities can prevent further danger. Keep a wrench or pliers in your kit to handle gas or water shut-off valves if it is safe to do so.
- Manual Can Opener: If you include canned food in your kit, a manual can opener is essential as electric can openers will be useless without power.
- Local Maps: GPS and phone maps may not be reliable after an earthquake due to power outages or network issues. Keep physical local maps to navigate if roads are blocked or rerouted.
- Cell Phone with Car Charger and Backup Battery: While communication might be limited, a cell phone is still important. A car charger and backup battery pack will help keep your phone powered as long as possible.
Additional Emergency Supplies for Earthquake Preparedness in Your Car
Consider these additional items to enhance your earthquake car kit, based on your specific needs and the higher risks associated with earthquakes:
- Soap, Hand Sanitizer, and Disinfecting Wipes: Maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs, especially if water is limited.
- Prescription Medications: If you take daily medications, keep at least a week’s supply in your car kit, stored properly to withstand temperature changes in a vehicle.
- Non-Prescription Medications: Include pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and any other over-the-counter medications you might need.
- Prescription Eyeglasses and Contact Lens Solution: Keep a spare pair of glasses and contact lens solution in your kit.
- Infant Formula, Bottles, Diapers, Wipes, and Diaper Rash Cream: If you have infants or young children, include all necessary supplies for their care.
- Pet Food and Extra Water for Your Pet: Don’t forget your pets. Include food and water for them if they are regularly in the car with you.
- Cash or Traveler’s Checks: ATMs and credit card systems may be down after an earthquake. Cash will be essential for purchases if stores are open.
- Important Family Documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container or on a USB drive.
- Sleeping Bag or Warm Blanket for Each Person: Earthquakes can occur at any time of year, and temperatures can drop, especially at night. Warm blankets or sleeping bags are crucial for warmth if you are stranded.
- Complete Change of Clothing Appropriate for Your Climate and Sturdy Shoes: Keep a change of clothes and sturdy shoes in your car in case you need to evacuate your vehicle and walk through debris.
- Fire Extinguisher: Earthquakes can cause fires due to ruptured gas lines or electrical damage. A small fire extinguisher can help control small fires.
- Matches in a Waterproof Container: Useful for starting a fire for warmth or signaling if needed (use with caution and only if safe).
- Feminine Supplies and Personal Hygiene Items: Include these essential personal items.
- Mess Kits, Paper Cups, Plates, Paper Towels, and Plastic Utensils: If you have to eat in your car, these items will be helpful.
- Paper and Pencil: Useful for leaving notes, communicating if cell service is unavailable, or documenting damage for insurance purposes.
- Books, Games, Puzzles, or Other Activities for Children: If you have children, having activities will help keep them occupied and reduce stress during a prolonged wait.
- Seatbelt Cutter and Window Hammer: These are specific tools to keep in car for earthquake situations, especially if your car is damaged and you need to quickly escape. A seatbelt cutter can free you if your seatbelt is jammed, and a window hammer can break a window if doors are inoperable.
Maintaining Your Car Earthquake Kit
After assembling your car earthquake kit, regular maintenance is essential to ensure it’s ready when you need it most:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place within your car, considering temperature fluctuations and replacing more frequently in very hot climates.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and moisture.
- Replace expired items regularly, especially food and water, checking expiration dates every few months.
- Re-evaluate your needs annually and update your kit as your family’s needs change or as you consider new potential earthquake-specific tools.
Kit Storage Locations in Your Car
Since you never know when an earthquake will strike, your car earthquake kit should be readily accessible.
- Car: Designate a specific storage location in your car for your emergency kit, such as the trunk, under a seat, or in a cargo area. Ensure all family members who drive the car know where the kit is located. Make sure the kit is secure so it does not become a projectile in the event of sudden braking or impact during an earthquake.
By preparing a comprehensive earthquake car kit and maintaining it regularly, you significantly increase your safety and preparedness for when disaster strikes while you are on the road.
