Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…What Do We Need in a Survival Kit?
July 2019
Q: Mr. Pedometer, hearing about the recent earthquakes in southern California reminded me that the same jolting experience could happen here. Do we need a survival kit? What items would we need in case of an earthquake or other emergency where we would need to evacuate our homes?
A: That’s a very timely question! We found a suggested “survival kit” list from FEMA posted by Pleasanton Patch. Some of us feel that we do need a survival kit and have begun gathering items to store in the trunks of our cars (in case we have to evacuate our homes), but we tend to forget to update and refresh them. Here are some items to consider storing in your survival kit:
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WATER: A gallon per day per person for three days
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FOOD: 3-day supply of non-perishable items (including pet foods)
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FLASHLIGHT, radio, batteries, and cell phone charger
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FIRST-AIDE KIT and medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter)
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BATTERY BACK-UP power for power-dependent mobility devices, oxygen, and other assistive technology needs
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CLOTHING and blankets
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WHISTLE (to signal for help)
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FIRE EXTINGUISHER
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CASH (in case ATMs are not working after an earthquake)