Step 2: Create a Plan

​In a disaster, one of the first things you'll want to do is make sure that your loved ones are okay and that you have a plan to reconnect. Make a copy of this form. Fill it in as a household. Print out a copy for each person. Here is a helpful checklist from FEMA to help you make your plan.

The 10-minute evacuation plan is a list of things to grab if you need to leave in a hurry. Thinking about what you value is highly personal. It could be something of monetary value like a computer or a sentimental item. Here is a Fire Evacuation Checklist that you may want to print out. Put it with your First Steps handout. 

Time commitment: 30-45 minutes

Further reading: Create your Family Emergency Evacuation Plan

Video: Making a Family Emergency Plan

Step 3: Water

It unlikely that you will have access to safe drinking water from the taps after a major earthquake. Staying hydrated is essential. Go through your house and look for things that you have in your house that will keep you hydrated, such as liquids in canned food and ice cubes. Hot water heaters often have 35-50 gallons. Make sure if your water heater is secured to prevent movement in an earthquake. Having extra water on hand is a must. It's recommended to have a minimum of one gallon per person for at least two weeks. If you have a beverage cooler, keep it filled. If you can afford buying a large water container, do it! Sporting stores often carry 5-7 gallon container or order a 50-gallon barrel on-line. If you have live close to a stream or you will need to be on the move and can purify that with bleach or a camping water purification device. Here is a detailed explanation of how to purify water. Print it out as you may not have internet access when a disaster strikes. Remember only use non-scented bleach with no added chemicals to purify water. 

Time commitment: Variable

Further reading: Water Purification

Step 1: Go Bag

A go bag is a bag that is packed with about 3 days worth of supplies to take care of your basic needs. Everyone in your house that is old enough to have a backpack should have his/her/their own go bag. Here is a list of things you can include.

Time commitment: 3-4 hours

Further reading: Build a Kit, includes information on kits for people with special needs and pets