Week 1 – Grab and Go Kits

By Jackie Kloosterboer – Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide

Facing an earthquake we don’t know if we will be forced to evacuate our homes or if it will be safe to stay in our homes making it essential we are prepared for both situations. Earthquake often cause secondary disasters such as fires & floods making it necessary for you, your family and pets to evacuate to safety.

I can guarantee you after a massive earthquake you will not be able to run out and get what you need. You need to do it now – once the earthquake strikes it will be too late. 

For Week #1 we will start with creating your family’s Grab & Go Kits. Exactly as it sounds your Grab & Go Kit is a kit you can grab and go with when forced to evacuate. So what do you put in your Grab & Go Kit?  You include the basic items you will need to survive the next several hours. Some points to keep in mind:

1. Each family member needs their own Grab & Go Kit. (a gym bag or backpack works well - a suitcase with wheels does not work well.)
2. Consider the needs of the person who will be using the kit.  The items in a toddlers kit will be much different than an adults kit.  For a list of Grab & Go Kit contents go to www.survive-it.ca/Resource and print the Earthquake Supply Checklist.
3. Don't overload your kits - you must be able to Grab & Go with them.
4. Store your Grab & Go Kits in the closet near the door you likely evacuate from.  Remember life safety is always first - it it is not safe to grab your kits - leave them behind.
5. Don't forget your pets - they too need a Grab & Go Kit

Responding to hundreds of house and apartment fires over the years, I have seen firsthand that people who have Grab & Kits get through the event much better than people who don't. They have a change of clothes (if they leave in the pj’s that is important) they have some water and snacks and maybe even a book to read until they can get to where they are going.

So now it’s time to take action. Follow the tasks below and you will be well on your way to getting you, your family and pets better prepared.

Your Task for Week #1:

1. Ensure you have a Grab & Go Kit for each family member and pet.
2. Print the Earthquake Supplies Checklist from www.survive-it.ca/Resource
3. Using the Earthquake Supply Checklist collect the items you already have on hand and put them in your kits.
4. Circle the items on the Checklist you need to purchase and the next time you are out at the mall pick up those items.

Following the above 4 steps will ensure you are well on your way to having your Grab & Go Kits in place.  This is one small piece of the puzzle – but it is a step closer to getting you, your family and pets better prepared. 

Take action and I will be back next Thursday with your next step to getting you, your family and pets prepared!

The time to prepare is NOW – once the earthquake strikes it will be too late!

As Always,

Be Prepared – Not Scared

Jackie Kloosterboer

Jackie Kloosterboer has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year to groups and businesses. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Preparedness Specialist and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.  

Contact Jackie with any questions or to speak at your next event at (604) 355-2414 or jackie@survive-it.ca

www.survive-it.ca