No retrofit or insurance policy replaces personal preparedness when the ground starts shaking. An earthquake preparedness kit—stocked with essentials like water, food, first aid, and emergency tools—helps you survive and function immediately after a major earthquake when professional help may be delayed hours or days. Here's what every Simi Valley home should contain.
Water, Food, and Basic Supplies
The foundation of any emergency kit is water. Store at least one gallon per person per day for at least two weeks (for a family of four, that's 56 gallons minimum). Rotate supplies annually. Include shelf-stable foods that don't require cooking: granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, canned goods, nuts, and dried fruit. Include a hand-crank or battery-powered can opener—electric ones won't work during power outages. Don't forget comfort items: coffee, tea, chocolate. Small morale boosters matter during stressful post-earthquake hours.
Add a manual first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, medications, and pain relievers. Include prescription medications and copies of medication lists. Include a battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight (solar-powered options work too). Gather extra batteries in multiple sizes. Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates. Add a whistle for signaling rescue workers if trapped. Duct tape, plastic sheeting, and tarps handle temporary structural repairs.
Tools, Documents, and Communication Supplies
Include practical tools: a pry bar, hammer, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, and pliers for clearing debris and shutting off utilities. Add a multi-tool with knife, saw, and file. Include work gloves and sturdy shoes (keep them near the kit). Add dust masks for inhaling debris and ash. Include paper towels, plastic bags, and sanitary wipes for sanitation. Gas shut-off wrench specific to your meter is critical—gas leaks cause fires after earthquakes.
Assemble document copies in a waterproof container: insurance policies, mortgage documents, property deed, birth certificates, medical records, and photos of home condition (for insurance claims). Include cash (ATMs won't work) in small bills. Store backup phone chargers and a power bank. Keep a written list of emergency contacts; cell systems may be overloaded, making traditional phone calls more reliable. Include a map of your area marking evacuation routes.
Storage, Practice, and Annual Updates
Store your kit in an easily accessible location your family knows about—hallway closet, garage corner, or master bedroom. Don't hide it; quick access matters during emergencies. Consider separate kits for home, car, and workplace. Keep smaller grab-and-go kits in backpacks. Store food and water in cool, dark locations away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
Practice retrieving your kit annually and review contents. Rotate expired foods and medications every year. Refresh water annually (tap water can become stale). Update contact lists as phone numbers change. Hold a family meeting discussing the kit and your earthquake response plan—where to shelter, how to communicate, meeting points if separated. Practice 'drop, cover, hold on' technique with family members. Preparedness requires practice; theoretical knowledge alone won't protect you when shaking starts. Your investment in a comprehensive kit could mean the difference between days of discomfort and weeks of hardship post-earthquake.
