How To: Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit for Earthquakes & Other Natural Disasters

Have you ever put together a basic survival kit for your home in case of an earthquake or natural disaster? If not, you should, because you'll want to be prepared should the worst happen.

To cover your bare minimum necessities, gather at least seven days' worth of non-perishable foods, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and portable radio with spare batteries, local maps, clothing, and comfortable walking shoes. Place them in a duffel bag, backpack, or some other easily portable container, then place that in an easily accessible part of your home that is easy to remember.

For a more in-depth disaster kit, you will need to include other items such as plastic utensils, plastic tarps, a fire extinguisher, important family documents in a waterproof container, and other tools. Remember that water and foods should be replaced every six months, and any food cans with dents or leaks should be thrown away.

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