When the earth moves, do you have what it takes?

A kit, that is. To make an earthquake kit, start by stocking up on emergency personal supplies in a backpack to speed up your getaway, if needed. Here are some esential items:
Medications, prescription list, copies of medical cards, doctor’s name and contact information
First aid kit and handbook
Dust mask
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning solution
Bottled water
Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location)
Sturdy shoes
Emergency cash, including quarters for the pay phone
Road maps
List of emergency out-of-area contact phone numbers
Snack foods, high in water and calories
Working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs, or light sticks
Toilet paper and toiletries
Special provisions the elderly, disabled, small children, and animals
Copies of personal identification (drivers license, work ID card, etc.)
Bank account numbers and copies of important family records

In addition to your personal disaster supplies kits, put together a household disaster supplies kit in an easily accessible location in a large watertight container that can be easily moved like a trash can. Stock it with a supply of the following items to last at least 3 days and ideally for 2 weeks:
Water (minimum one gallon a day for each person)
Wrenches and basic tools to turn off gas and water supplies
Work gloves and protective goggles
Heavy duty plastic bags for waste, and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, and other uses
Portable radio with extra batteries (or hand crank for charging)
Additional flashlights or light sticks
Canned and packaged foods
Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking and matches if needed
Cooking utensils, including a manual can opener
Pet food and pet restraints
Comfortable, warm clothing including extra socks
Blankets or sleeping bags, and perhaps even a tent
Copies of vital documents such as insurance policies
Use and replace these items every year

And don't forget to set up an out-of-state emergency contact for your family. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Add the name, address, and phone number of the contact person to your emergency earthquake kit. Get together with your family to decide on a meeting place in case your neighborhood is evacuated and review what to do during an earthquake as described at the website Drop, Cover, and Hold On.