7 Items Your Emergency Kit Must Have in California

Being prepared for a possible earthquake in California can make a difference during the first hours of an emergency. In the southern part of the state, where numerous seismic faults exist, authorities recommend having a kit capable of covering a family’s basic needs for at least 72 hours.

Recent earthquakes recorded in different parts of the world bring the importance of prevention back into focus. For those living in Southern California, the question is not whether a major earthquake will occur, but when.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 93% probability that an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or greater will occur in Southern California during the next 30 years. José Lara, head of the seismic risk branch of Cal OES, highlighted on Univision34 the importance of preparing in advance and having supplies ready both at home and at work.

The 7 Essential Items

According to the recommendations shared by Lara, the kit should include basic items to ensure food, hydration, and care for all family members. These are the seven essential items:

Water, to keep the family hydrated during the emergency. Non-perishable food, which allows you to have food available if it is not possible to leave or buy supplies. Cash, necessary if electronic payment systems stop working.

Important documents, which facilitate identification and other procedures during an emergency. Prescription medications, essential for those who depend on medical treatments. Baby formula, necessary if there is a minor who requires this type of nutrition. And pet food, because dogs and cats must also be included in family preparedness.

How Much Water and Food to Store

Cal OES recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days, for both drinking and basic hygiene. That amount is equivalent to about 3.8 liters daily per household member.

In the case of food, the agency suggests maintaining a supply of at least three days of non-perishable food. It is advisable to include a manual can opener, as many canned products require this tool and it is often forgotten in preparation.

For babies, in addition to formula, it is convenient to store diapers and specific hygiene items. For pets, it is recommended to store sufficient food and extra water so they can handle the first hours after the earthquake without problems.

The Kit Must Include the Entire Family

One of the main recommendations is not to limit the kit to the needs of adults. If there are babies in the home, people who take medications, or pets, their needs should be considered when preparing supplies.

Prescription medications are part of the essential items, especially when a household member depends on them daily. Cal OES also recommends keeping copies of medical prescriptions, vaccination records, and allergies, in case it is necessary to go to a different health facility than usual.

Other items that the state agency suggests adding to the kit include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a whistle for calling for help. It also recommends keeping a wrench or pliers to cut off the gas supply in case of a leak.

Why It Is Urgent to Prepare in California

California has numerous seismic faults, some located near densely populated areas. According to Lara, it is not just about faults far from cities: some are beneath the areas where people live.

The San Andreas Fault, the most well-known in the state, extends for almost 1,300 kilometers. According to recent geological studies, some of its segments in Southern California have up to a 27% probability of generating an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or greater in the next 30 years.

For this reason, preparation must begin before the earthquake occurs. Having supplies ready allows you to reduce dependence on external aid during the first hours after the earthquake, when emergency services are usually overwhelmed.

MyShake: An Alert Before the Earthquake Arrives

In addition to preparing an emergency kit, California residents can use MyShake, a free application that sends early earthquake alerts. The tool has already surpassed 4.5 million downloads in the state, equivalent to more than 10% of the population.

Since its creation, MyShake has sent more than 6.8 million alerts for 194 different earthquakes. The application can notify users seconds before the strongest waves of the earthquake arrive, giving enough time to take shelter.

In June of this year, the system notified more than one million people before an earthquake in Northern California. More than 60% of the 1,064 sensors that make up the network have been installed since the program’s launch, which has improved the accuracy and speed of alerts.

Preparation Cannot Wait

The app can be downloaded for free from any app store. However, preparation does not end with an early alert: having water, food, medications, documents, cash, and supplies for babies and pets is what really allows you to face the consequences of an earthquake.

Cal OES also recommends creating a family communication plan, with a defined meeting point in case household members are separated during the emergency. Keeping copies of identification and family photos in a water-resistant container facilitates reunification later.

The recommendation from authorities is clear: do not wait for a major earthquake to occur before starting to prepare. With a probability exceeding 99% that the state will face at least one major earthquake in the next three decades, each kit assembled today could make a difference tomorrow.