Emergency Supplies for Earthquake Preparedness - First Earthquake

Since we moved to the Kapiti Coast we've been informed by several sources about the need of having emergency supplies in the event of an earthquake. First it was the new nursery that insisted on having phone numbers of relatives or friends who live locally and could pick up the kids in case of a major disaster. Then we received a letter from the council with information about the tsunami zones etc. In the nursery's Christmas letter a week later we read the following:


SWAP A CAN
It is now also time for us to update our emergency food supplies. So if you haven’t already done so please bring in some canned items to add to our emergency supplies. If you have already provided us with items please swap with older items that will be in the office as from next week. Your children thank you for ensuring they are prepared!!!



The next day we went to Te Papa Museum, where the items that should be in your emergency supplies, are on display, which gave me a better picture of what you actually need to collect.




This is what our Survival Kit for our home should contain:

Tools and supplies

* ax, shovel, broom
* screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench
* rope for towing or rescue
* plastic sheeting and tape

Items for safety and comfort

* sturdy shoes that can provide protection from broken glass, nails, and other debris
* gloves (heavy and durable for cleaning up debris)
* candles
* waterproof matches
* change of clothing
* knife
* garden hose (for siphoning and firefighting)
* tent
* recreational supplies for children and adults
* blankets or sleeping bags
* portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
* essential medications and eyeglasses
* fire extinguisher -- multipurpose, dry chemical type
* food and water for pets
* toilet tissue
* cash

Survival Kit for our car



* Blankets
* Bottled water
* Change of clothes
* Fire extinguisher -- multipurpose, dry chemical type
* First aid kit and manual
* Emergency signal device (light sticks, battery-type flasher, reflector, etc.)
* Flashlight with fresh batteries
* Food (nonperishable -- nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
* Gloves
* Local map and compass
* Rope for towing, rescue, etc.
* Paper and pencils
* Premoistened towelettes
* Prescription medicines
* Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
* Small mirror for signaling
* Toilet tissue
* Tools (pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
* Whistle for signaling
* Jumper cables
* Duct tape


Our first earthquake today, which was according to the locals just a little one (5.4) made me realise that it's really time now to start assembling our supplies. Not that we need to worry: earthquakes are a daily phenomenon in New Zealand and the Kiwi's are not too worried about it, at least as long as the buildings don't come down, like in Christchurch a couple of months ago. For once they couldn't say the their most popular phrase: Oh, we'll be fine.