UBT: Packing an Emergency/Earthquake Kit

With the recent earthquakes to hit BC last week we thought it was good idea to repost our most popular blog featured after the wind storms in 2015. We've added below where you can purchase a ready-to-go emergercy kit, dried food and extra supplies if you don't have time to make your own. 

With the largest power outage in BC Hydro’s history last week, many were left without power for 48 hours or longer. I heard stories of dead cell phones, spoiled food in the fridge and freezer and many people traveling to places with power to eat or hang out. People were going to local gas stations to get gas for their generators, only to find the gas stations were also without power and unable to pump fuel.

If a devastating event such as a large earthquake was to hit the South Coast, and car travel was not possible, nor was tap water or creek water drinkable, how many of us would find our families and ourselves in trouble?

Here is a list of basic necessities for any emergency kit

• Water for 72 hours (2 liters per person per day is recommended)
• Food for 72 hours (we like dehydrated food. It is light and only requires boiling water to cook it)
• Can opener if you have canned food
•  Toilet paper, tampons/pads
• First aid kit
• Money (we have $50 in $5 bills. With technology unavailable, cash will be the only option. Change for pay phones is also recommended)
• Flashlight
• Battery operated radio
• Spare batteries
• Candles and matches

Some not-so common items for families and extra supplies

• Pot and stove to cook
• Plates and utensils
• Spare house key
• Baby food and a spoon
• A Tin of Formula
• Diapers and wipes
• Spare clothing for all members of the family
• A baby carrier
• Paper and pencil
• A deck of cards / puzzle
• Blankets / coats / sleeping bags
• Dog / cat food
• Rope / leash / harness / carrier
• Bowl for water
• Duct tape
• Basic tools such as hammer, pliers
• Rope
• Whistle
• Garbage bags
• Prescription medication

Where put your emergency kit? There are lots of opinions about this, so I can only share my own. My emergency kit sits in the top of the closet in two bins. The closet is closest to the front door and the garage. There is also a backpack in there. Should we need to leave the house we could put the supplies into the backpack or into the trunk of the car.

I think that it is likely that in a disaster, we will be able to stay in our homes. But if there is a gas leak, or a flood, fire, or other damage to any of our homes, we need to be prepared to exit. With lots of time to prepare, we could empty our pantry and pack our bags, but sometimes that is not going to be an option. An emergency kit should be easy to grab and carry. A good suggestion is to put it into an old suitcase.

While everyone has their own level of comfort for what to pack and what supplies are essential and what are optional, this list should give you something to think about when preparing your own kit. If you are feeling overwhelmed, start with a case of water. Throw it in the closet. You have done something! Something is better than nothing!

Where to purchase an emergency/earthquake kit? 

• Pacific First Aid: Vancouver, BC - Offering training and emergency supplies www.pacificfirstaid.ca
• Quake Kits: Victoria, BC - supplier of earthquake kits for home, office and schools. www.quakekit.ca
• Earthquake Kits for BC: supplier of earthquake kits for all residents of BC www.earthquakekits.ca
• Costco, Online Only 
• Total Prepare: Victoria, BC - suppllier of freeze dried and dehydrated emergency food, 72 Hour emergency survival kits, water storage and filtration and more
  www.totalprepare.ca

Lindsay is a wife, a mom to two little boys, a soccer player, a lifetime traveler and a lover of learning. Lindsay resides in Langley and is currently searching out new ways to enjoy every minute she can with her family, while balancing the pressures of living in our fast-paced society. Check out Lindsay’s blog at www.carpediemourway.com