Regardless of where you live, there is always the potential for natural disaster, and survival depends largely on how well you have prepared. However, unlike most natural disasters, earthquakes have absolutely no warning and can happen at any time.
With any type of disaster, the usual emergency supplies such as food and water should be stored. But when it comes to earthquakes, since they come without warning, special attention should be given to your supplies due to the damage an earthquake can cause.
Furthermore, while a three-day supply is recommended for each family member, keep in mind that the disaster could very well last longer than three days. What’s more, neighbors, who may not have prepared as well, or perhaps lost their supplies in the quake, may depend on you for their very survival.
During an earthquake, the ground shakes, sometimes violently, which can topple shelves or actually shake the contents out of cabinets and cupboards. Fastening freestanding shelves to the wall is a good precaution even if you don’t live in an earthquake-prone area; as there are a number of situation that can create the same affect like a tornado or tsunami.
Shelves without doors should have a protective cover to prevent the contents from sliding off the shelf. A board can be nailed across the front, which will prevent the contents from being shaken off, yet still give you free access to the contents.
As for essential supplies, the following list contains the basic items for virtually any natural disaster. Keep neighbors in mind when figuring your supplies.
Water: One gallon, per person, per day for personal hygiene and consumption.
Food: Protein is essential so canned meat such as tuna, chili, and soups; along with crackers (low sodium) are good items to include. These foods can be eaten right out of the can. Bottled or canned beverages, as well as juices, should be included. Multivitamins would be a wise addition to your food supplies, along with vitamin C. Be sure to include food and beverages for babies if it applies. It may be a good idea to store items such as plastic forks, spoons, cups, and plates.
Clothing: Two changes of clothing should be included for each family member, along with warm robes; perhaps for a neighbor whose only clothing could be what is on his or her back and could be damaged. Also include socks and sturdy shoes. When an earthquake hits in the middle of the night it can send a family running barefoot. Debris from the aftermath can be impassable without proper shoes.
Bedding: If an earthquake is severe and the bedding in your home is damaged, blankets and sheets should be your primary concern unless you have ample storage space. The afore mentioned supplies will take up a lot of space already so some comforts like, pillows, may have to be sacrificed. Bedding should be put into plastic bags and stored in sturdy bins.
Essential miscellaneous: In the aftermath of an earthquake, a tarp could be the only thing between your family and the elements and therefore should be included in your supplies. Ordinary household tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and a heavy-duty knife should also be included along with a thick roll of duct tape and flashlights with extra batteries. In the event that you may have to build a fire, store lighters/matches in a waterproof container.
Items for small children: For children in diapers, store at least three days worth of diapers, bottles, formula and other baby essentials. Cloth diapers and pins should also be included. For older children, store a few toys/games, which they may have become bored with but will appreciate during a crisis. Including cards/games for adults may also be a good idea.
First aid: If any family member is on prescription drugs, they should be included in the first aid kit along with pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids, burn creams, antibacterial creams, and the usual first aid items such as alcohol, peroxide, band aids and gauze. Don’t forget baby items like baby aspirins and diaper rash cream. Also store an ample supply of insect repellent.
Whether it’s an earthquake, tornado, hurricane or any kind of natural disaster, everyone should prepare his or her home for whatever kind of natural disaster that could occur in the area. A disaster kit should be assembled; keeping neighbors in mind and the supplies updated and rotated each year.
The world in which we live today is not like it was a hundred years ago or even fifty years ago. There is much unrest today with war in a number of regions around the world. Natural disasters have also been more frequent and much more intense.
Jesus Christ warned us of times such as these.
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24)
The Savior said that when we see these things begin to happen, we are to make sure we’re in a safe place. He even instructed those in Judah to get out of the city and flee to the mountains.
Ignoring the warnings of the Son of God goes beyond foolishness. However, no matter where we are, if we don’t belong to God, we are NOT safe. He said if we belong to Him, He would be with us no matter where we are or where we go.
What happens to our physical body isn’t nearly as important as what happens to our soul.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3)
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:18)
The time is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, but for some, it will be too late.
“Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father… Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:5)
