A Survivors Earthquake Kit

The size of the quake A 5.0 earthquake will frighten you, knock a few things off shelves and perhaps topple a bell in the church tower, but for the most part injuries will be slight.

A 6.0 (100 times stronger than a 5.0) will cause some buildings to fall, interrupt power, water, phones and gas, crack foundations, break windows, and topple weaker chimneys and some freeway on and off ramps. A few people will die and several will be injured.

A 7.0 and above are the real killers. Many buildings will fall trapping hundreds. If you live near the water, you need to think about tsunamis. A tsunami depends on the amount and location of land sliding into the water. Don't wait to see what will happen, head for higher ground immediately.

Supplies -- Prepare for AT LEAST a three-day disruption in basic services and store your supplies just inside a front or back door, or in the trunk of your car (unless you park in a garage). Keep extra bedding in your car.

Water -- Enough for drinking, cooking, washing wounds, dishes and hands.

Food -- Anything you can eat cold, crackers, cereal, canned beans, etc. Don't forget a can opener.

Clothing -- A change of clothing for each member of the family, blankets, diapers, washcloths. Don't forget toilet paper.

Medical - Sun tan lotion in summer, burn medicine, butterfly bandages (to temporarily close cuts), miscellaneous bandages, scissors, tweezers (for removing glass), cotton balls, antiseptic (peroxide is cheap and excellent for cleaning wounds and purifying water -- 2 drops per liter).