3 Tips and a Take-Away - Storing your Earthquake Supplies

Grab and Go Kits are designed to support your short-term needs during an emergency. These kits contain essential items you will take if you need to evacuate your home quickly. They can also complement your Home Disaster Kit — your stay-and-survive kit if you are able to shelter in place.

Having both kits ready ensures you're prepared for any situation, whether you need to leave your home or stay put. Planning ahead can reduce stress and help your family feel more in control during uncertain times.

1. Accessible Location: Store your Grab and Go Kits in an easily accessible location — typically a closet near the front door. This allows you to grab them quickly in an emergency, especially when every second counts. Remember to prepare a Grab and Go Kit for your pets, including food, water, a leash, and any medications they may need.

For your Home Disaster Kit, choose a location that's both accessible and safe, such as a garage, under the bed, or in a pantry. Consider keeping a flashlight or small emergency light near your kits so you can find them easily in the dark.

2. Regular Checks: Inspect your kits twice a year, ideally when the clocks change. Use this time to replace expired food, batteries, and medications. Update contents to reflect any new family needs, such as baby supplies or additional pet food. A simple checklist can make this task quicker and easier.

3. Front and Centre: Avoid pushing your kits to the back of the closet or piling items on top of them. Keep them in a prominent location so they are always easy to grab quickly. Label your kits clearly with bright tags so everyone in the household knows what they are and where to find them.

Takeaway: Life safety always comes first. Never put yourself in danger trying to retrieve your kits. Practice evacuating your home with your family — practice makes perfect! Assign roles to family members, such as grabbing the kits or helping pets, to make your evacuation plan even more efficient.

Take Action Today

The time to prepare is now—once disaster strikes, it will be too late. Work with me through my online Disaster Preparedness 3-hour course to create a personalized plan and build your family’s emergency kits. I'll guide you step-by-step to ensure you're ready to protect your loved ones in any emergency.

Are you ready? Let me know your questions about Disaster Kits in the comments below!

Meet Jackie Kloosterboer – Disaster Preparedness Expert

Jackie Kloosterboer is a renowned Emergency and Disaster Preparedness leader with over 30 years of frontline experience, witnessing the life-saving impact of preparedness firsthand. Her dedication shines through her work presenting Disaster Preparedness Workshops, teaching Emergency Support Services Responders, responding to disasters across BC, supporting evacuees, and leading Emergency Support Services (ESS) teams.

Jackie served a key role with the City of Vancouver for over twenty years. Her expertise has made her a sought-after resource for the media, which frequently rely on her insights to emphasize the importance of disaster readiness. Jackie is also the author of My Earthquake Preparedness Guide, a practical resource offering actionable tips for any disaster. In addition to her workshops and book, Jackie created Mom's Ultimate Disaster Plan, an online program that empowers families to safeguard their loved ones and confidently navigate emergencies.

Your family—and your pets—deserve to be safe. Let’s get prepared together!