Preparedness experts recommend that residents of disaster-prone areas have supplies available to remain self-sufficient in the days and weeks after an event like a megaquake.
The supplies any one person needs for a disaster may vary, depending on the type of damage done and life circumstances, such as having a medical condition or needing to care for a child.
The American Red Cross does recommend a few basic items for everyone, however:
In the event of a natural disaster, each household should have one gallon of purified water, per person, per day, stored. It's recommended that each family have two weeks worth of water at the minimum. For a family of four, that equates to 56 gallons of water.
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In the event of a natural disaster, it is unknown how long it could take for emergency services to reach every household. Every home should have two weeks worth of emergency supplies that are mobile in case of evacuations.
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Every household should have some way to communicate that doesn't require electricity, such as this two-way radio. That's because in the event of a natural disaster, power could be out for several days.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
The American Red Cross recommends that every household has a three-day supply of food that can be carried for evacuation, and a two-week supply of food for use at home after a natural disaster.
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During a natural disaster, power could be lost for several days or weeks depending on where you live. Households should have a communication device that either operates on battery power, or does not require electricity. A whistle can be useful if someone is trapped under debris or to signal other people.
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The American Red Cross recommends that each household have at least a seven-day supply of medications and medical supplies ready to go in case of a natural disaster. For any medication that requires refrigeration, consult a medical professional about how to store it if the power goes out.
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Power might not be restored for days, or weeks, depending on where you are after a natural disaster. It's recommended that you have a flashlight by your bed in the event of a power loss. Keeping shoes by your bed can be helpful too in case the floor is covered in glass and other debris.
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The American Red Cross recommends that each household have a hand-crank radio or other battery-powered communication device to tune in to emergency broadcasts and disaster relief messages.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
Because natural disasters are unpredictable, having a backpack or other way to transport supplies is useful. Evacuations could be necessary during an earthquake, particularly in areas susceptible to tsunamis. Every family should have two weeks worth of emergency supplies they can take with them when they evacuate.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
A natural disaster can strike at any time, including the middle of winter. The American Red Cross recommends that each household have one emergency blanket per person because it is unknown how long homes could be without power and heat.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB