First Aid

Finding a first aid kit online can be an intimidating experience at first. There are dozens of options, each with more tools and bandages than the last. But what do you really need?

Several sterile adhesive bandages in different sizes
Gauze pads in assorted sizes (2" & 4") Triangular bandages
Roller bandages
Cleansing agent/SoapLatex gloves (2 pair)
Safety pins
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelette
Antiseptic

Make sure you include some non-prescription drugs to include in your first aid kit as well. You can find small bottles of Tylenol, anti-diarrhea medicines, antacid or any other over-the-counter drugs at the store. If you or a loved one has any medical issues that require actual prescription medication, you'll also want to keep some of that on hand.

Extra Credit

Earthquake kits are more than just food, water and medical supplies. It's about being prepared for what comes after the shaking stops and the rebuilding begins.

Documents

Keep copies of wills, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds in a fireproof case. Keep your passport, social security cards and immunization records close at hand, or in a safe location.

Make an inventory of all your valuable household goods and store it with the rest of the documents you want to keep safe. Family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates are also good to have on hand. You don't want to go through the headache of trying to replace those.

Tools & Sanitation

One thing you'll want to have handy is a wrench in order to turn off gas or water lines that may have been severed during the quake. Pliers, plastic garbage bags and a flashlight with extra batteries are also a good idea to have in your toolkit.

Purchase a small camping stove, along with the fuel to make sure you still have hot food while you're waiting for the gas company to come out and fix the broken lines.

A small fire extinguisher is also good to have on hand - but remember, those are not for fighting full-fledged house fires. Leave those to the professionals.

A non-electric can opener or utility knife will also go a long way to making your life easier. Toilet paper, soap, liquid detergent and extra toiletries will help you stay sanitary during a time when showers and your regular bathroom may not be available.

Because cell service will likely be jammed following a major quake, use texting or messenger apps to let family and friends know you're OK. Keep an extra cell phone battery charged and available so you have plenty of juice when/if the electricity goes out. A battery operated, or crank radio is also a good idea to have handy so you can stay updated on the news (you'll be listening to KFI of course...).

Finally, the most important thing to remember during a quake is to not panic and let the professionals do their jobs. A lot of thought and care has gone into crafting California's building codes to survive the shaking and officials have been planning for years on how to respond to the inevitable 'Big One' here in Southern California. There's nothing else you can do besides being prepared and live your life.

Get more information at GetPreparedCalifornia.org.

Photos: Getty Images

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