SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Stock up now on emergency supplies that can be used after an earthquake. These supplies should include a first aid kit, survival kits for the home, automobile, and workplace, and emergency water and food. Store enough supplies to last at least 3 days.

First Aid Kit

Store your first aid supplies in a tool box or fishing tackle box so they will be easy to carry and protected from water. Inspect your kit regularly and keep it freshly stocked. NOTE: Important medical information and most prescriptions can be stored in the refrigerator, which also provides excellent protection from fires.

Drugs/Medications

  • Hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Individually wrapped alcohol swabs
  • Aspirin and non-aspirin tablets
  • Prescriptions and any long-term medications (keep these current)
  • Diarrhea medicine
  • Eye drops

Dressings

  • Bandage strips
  • Ace bandages
  • Rolled gauze
  • Cotton-tipped swabs
  • Adhesive tape roll

Other First Aid Supplies

  • First aid book
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Thermometer
  • Bar soap
  • Tissues
  • Sunscreen
  • Paper cups
  • Pocket knife
  • Small plastic bags
  • Safety pins
  • Needle and thread
  • Instant cold packs for sprains
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Splinting materials

Survival Kit for Your Home

Assemble a survival kit for your home with the following items:

Tools and supplies

  • ax, shovel, broom
  • screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench
  • rope for towing or rescue
  • plastic sheeting and tape

Items for safety and comfort

  • sturdy shoes that can provide protection from broken glass, nails, and other debris
  • gloves (heavy and durable for cleaning up debris)
  • candles
  • waterproof matches
  • change of clothing
  • knife
  • garden hose (for siphoning and firefighting)
  • tent
  • recreational supplies for children and adults
  • blankets or sleeping bags
  • portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
  • essential medications and eyeglasses
  • fire extinguisher — multipurpose, dry chemical type
  • food and water for pets
  • toilet tissue
  • cash

Survival Kit for Your Automobile

Assemble a survival kit for your automobile with the following items. Storing some of these supplies in a small bag or backpack will make them more convenient to carry if you need to walk.

  • Blankets
  • Bottled water
  • Change of clothes
  • Coins for telephone calls
  • Fire extinguisher — multipurpose, dry chemical type
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency signal device (light sticks, battery-type flasher, reflector, etc.)
  • Flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Food (nonperishable — nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
  • Gloves
  • Local map and compass
  • Rope for towing, rescue, etc.
  • Paper and pencils
  • Premoistened towelettes
  • Prescription medicines
  • Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
  • Small mirror for signaling
  • Toilet tissue
  • Tools (pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
  • Whistle for signaling
  • Jumper cables
  • Duct tape

Survival Kit for Your Workplace

Assemble a survival kit for the workplace with the following supplies:

  • Food (nonperishable — nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
  • Bottled water
  • Jacket or sweatshirt
  • Pair of sturdy shoes
  • Flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
  • Essential medications
  • Blanket
  • Small first aid kit
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lens solution
  • Whistle or other signaling device

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention (CCEHIP)