Living on the West Coast means that “the big one” is always in the back of our minds. It also means that we should be prepared for a minimum of 2 weeks of self-sufficiency. In our series on the components of Earthquake Preparedness, we’ve gone over the importance of water and food; last week we introduced heat as the third priority. Next on the list is shelter!
- Water
- Food
- Heat
- Shelter
- Light
- Communication
- First Aid
- Sanitation
We can’t choose when an earthquake will happen. One could strike during the summer months, while the air is dry and warm, and you hardly need help to stay warm. It’s just as likely, however, that an earthquake will occur during the colder months of the year. In British Columbia, our annual precipitation average is high, and so the chances of getting caught in it during an emergency are high as well. This is what we need to prepare for.
When preparing for an earthquake, it’s best to plan for the worst case scenario. Assume that your home has been destroyed, or you can’t get back there for a couple weeks. You’ll need shelter supplies. Try something like our Ultimate Outdoor Survival Kit. Doubling as an excellent and complete camping set as well, it prepares you to protect yourself against the elements. You’ll need to add the food and water supplies, but this kit includes everything to create a humble home away from home, while you’re banished to the outback.
Included are the following:
- tent
- tarp
- sleeping bags and sleeping pads
- cooking supplies and stoves
- light sources
- radio
- heat sources
Check out the itemized description in the link, and possibly add extra items that you think you’ll need.
Once you have your full kit together, it’s a good idea to go through each piece of equipment and…
- Make sure you know what it’s for, and
- Make sure you know how to use it, or set it up!
When you’re in the middle of a real emergency, you may be trying to think calmly and rationally, but chances are that your mind will be a little muddled. The more that is second nature to you, the better!
Another ideal source for shelter is an RV or camper. If you’re an avid camper, hunter, or have the experience of travelling in an RV, you are miles ahead of the game when it comes to knowing how to hunker down outside your home. Think through what you use on your trips – these are the types of supplies that are helpful to have all in one place in an easily accessible location should you need them following an earthquake.
Having your water, food, heat and shelter figured out means you are most of the way there in being self sufficient. Take time to think through your resources, and add what you’re missing. Being prepared brings peace of mind, and this assurance is one more factor that will help you stay calm following an earthquake, especially if you have a family to take care of as well.
Stay tuned for next week’s article on light!