Earthquakes don’t RSVP — they just show up. That’s why millions of Californians will take part in the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake drill, on Oct. 16, practicing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill to stay safe when the ground starts moving. But what happens after the shaking stops?
If your home or building is damaged, unsafe or without power, you may need to evacuate quickly. That’s where a go bag comes in. Packed with essentials, it helps you stay safe and self-sufficient in the hours and days that follow.
Here’s what to include in your earthquake go bag:
- Water: The rule of thumb is to pack 1 gallon per person per day. Pack enough for at least three days and refresh every six months.
- Nonperishable food: Opt for energy bars, canned goods and snacks that don’t require cooking. Rotate items to keep your stock fresh.
- First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers and personal medications.
- Medications: Keep a list of prescriptions and dosage information for each family member. It’s good to keep a three- to five-day supply.
- Flashlight and extra batteries: Power outages are common after earthquakes. Light your way safely, and check batteries regularly.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: Stay informed when cell service is down.
- Cash: ATMs and card readers may be offline. Small bills are best.
- Copies of important documents: Store them in a waterproof pouch: ID, insurance, medical info and pet records.
- Multitool or basic tools: These are handy for turning off utilities or making quick fixes.
- Warm clothing and sturdy shoes: You may need to walk or sleep outside. Closed-toe shoes protect against debris.
- Dust mask and gloves: Protect yourself from debris and dust. N95 masks are ideal.
- Pet supplies: Bring your furry friends’ food, water, leash and comfort items. Don’t forget trash bags.
- Emergency contact list: Include one out-of-area contact in case local lines are down.
- Go bags in multiple locations: Keep one at home, one at work and another in your car. You never know where you’ll be when the shaking starts.
You don’t need to predict the next quake to be prepared for it. So, pack your bag, join the ShakeOut and check “earthquake prep” off your list.
Here are some of the ways you can receive earthquake warnings:
- MyShake App: A no-cost app from Google Play and the Apple App Store. App users can set up a “homebase” location and receive earthquake warnings without having location services turned on.
- Android Earthquake Alerts: Included in new or updated Android devices, the system uses the same technology as the MyShake App.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts: Text-like messages from the government during emergencies. This includes presidential alerts, imminent threats (fire, earthquake, floods, etc.) and AMBER alerts.
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit sce.com/beprepared.
