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How To Get Everything You Need For An Earthquake Kit Off Amazon Prime
A Red Cross "emergency preparedness" kit. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
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To paraphrase the Boy Scouts, it's never a bad idea to be prepared for natural disaster—particularly if you live in Los Angeles, where earthquakes are always a concern. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, a recent L.A. Times article warned Southern California residents about the possibility of an 8.2 earthquake on the San Andreas Fault, 45 times stronger than the 1994 Northridge quake. As Mexico City reels from its most powerful earthquake in a century, Angelenos concerned about the possibility of seismic activity could benefit from assembling a supply kit to keep on-hand.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health offers a handy emergency survival guide on its website, laying out the essential items you need in your earthquake supply kit. For the sake of convenience, we've rounded up links to some of the least expensive options for each item available on Amazon Prime.
Water: The Department of Public Health suggests storing one gallon of water per person (or pet) per day. This gallon is the cheapest of Amazon Prime's options. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place, and avoid glass bottles.
Food: Canned foods and high-energy snacks like peanut butterand granola bars are your best bet in an earthquake. Don't forget a manual can opener, plus baby food and pet food (if your family needs it.)
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First aid kit: First aid kit options like this one include sterile gauze and adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, antibacterial cream, protective gloves, soap and sunscreen, all of which the Department of Public Health recommends you have on hand in the event of an earthquake.
Flashlights and extra batteries: This $5 LED flashlight glows in the dark for added visibility, which could come in handy.
Fire extinguisher: Here's one on sale.
An emergency radio, work gloves and a whistle: Here, here and here. (Lifehacker has some good advice on how to choose a reliable emergency radio, If you're confused about whether to buy a solar, manual or battery-operated variety.)
Tools to turn off gas and water: This ought to do the trick.
Prescription medications, medical records and personal identification: Sorry, even Amazon Prime can't help you there. Store your important papers in a waterproof, portable countainer, and try to keep at least a 7-day supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.
If you're willing to shell out a little more for an all-in-one earthquake kit, Ready America offers a $99 "4-Person Deluxe Emergency Kit" that includes a first-aid kit, radio, survival blankets, a multi-function pocket tool and nonperishable food and water.
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