Last April 8 there were two moderately sized earthquakes that hit Mabini, Batangas with magnitudes of 5.6 and 6.0. The quake was felt in areas like Pampanga, Camarines Norte, and Manila. Because these earthquakes are happening more often, it is best to be prepared for when a big one hits.
One way to get ready is by preparing a go bag with essentials that you might need in times of disaster. If you plan on packing a bag but do not know what to put in it, we’ve rounded up some important things to add to your list.
Water
Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day to be used for drinking as well as sanitation purposes.
Dried and canned food
Have food that is easy to eat and prepare. Dried and canned food is ideal as they have a long shelf life. Choose canned goods that have a pull tab so that it will be easy to open and prepare. Ideally, prepare a three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for your home.
First-aid kit
At the very least, your first-aid kit should contain wound-dressing supplies, eyewash, and burn treatment bandages. Stock up on basic medicine like paracetamol, antihistamine, and ibuprofen. Also include any personal medication you may need to last at least one week.
Light source
For extra preparedness, have multiple types of light sources to help you in different situations. A head torch is useful for when you need your hands free to do other tasks. Also, find a handheld wind-up flashlight, this way it will never run out of power.
Clothing
When choosing clothes to pack in your go bag, make sure to select compact items to save space. A travel poncho is a good choice to keep you dry while foil blankets are best at retaining body heat. If you can find a foil poncho, best to add that to your go bag.
Copies of documents
Aside from emergency cash and maps of the area, have copies of important documents ready. Medication list, passport, birth certificate, insurance policies, and proof of address are some documents that you might need. Pack these in a waterproof pouch for extra protection.
Communication
Have a cellphone and charger handy in case you need to get in touch with your family and friends. In situations wherein mobile networks are down, keep walkie-talkie radios. You will be able to communicate with those who are a few kilometers away from you.
Miscellaneous
Aside from some of the essentials listed above, here are other items that you might need depending on the situation.
– Baby supplies
– Whistle
– Matches or lighter
– Rain gear
– Masks
– Towels
– Work gloves
– Sturdy shoes
– Tools or a utility knife
– Batteries
– Entertainment items (books, cards, board games) are key to boost morale
Stay safe, everyone!
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
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