Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 17 Feb 2025
Delhi Earthquake: What Are The 10 Must-have Items In Your Emergency Kits?
While you may not be able to predict the intensity and time of an earthquake, safety precautions can be taken
Early morning strong tremors were felt in the national capital and adjoining areas, with a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter scale. According to the National Center for Seismology, the quake's depth was just 5 km with Delhi as its epicentre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged the residents of Delhi and nearby areas to stay calm and follow safety precautions.
What should be in the emergency kit?
While you may not be able to predict the intensity and time of an earthquake, safety precautions can be taken. Experts say it is essential to always be prepared. One important way you can do this is by having an emergency kit in your house, as after a disaster, you may need to survive on your own for several days.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Here is a list of the ten most essential items you must always keep in a kit for emergencies like this:
- A flashlight with extra batteries is a good idea. If your power is out and you have no way to charge your phone, you might need to rely on a flashlight to get around at night.
- Adequate supplies of medications that you or your family members are taking
- Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies
- First-aid kit and handbook
- Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries
- Portable radio with extra batteries
- Water for each family member: allow at least 1 gallon per person per day and purification tablets or chlorine bleach to purify drinking water from other sources
- Canned and packaged foods, extra food for pets if necessary
- Camp stove or barbecue to cook outdoors
- Waterproof, heavy-duty plastic bags for waste disposal
Do’s and Don’ts during an earthquake
During an earthquake, no matter how strong, it is best to minimize your movements and stay indoors as far as possible till you realize that it is safe to exit. Take a look at the following steps on what to do during an earthquake.
Indoors
- Immediately drop to the ground. Reach a safe place, such as under a table and cover your head with your arms
- Stay under any sturdy furniture, corner, or inner door of your building
- Move away from any glass furniture/windows that could fall on you
- If possible, shield your head with a pillow to avoid injuries against falling debris and glass.
Outdoors
- If you are outside, remain at the place where you are till the tremor stops
- Make sure to move aside from trees, buildings, or electrical connections
- Stay away from any loose utility wires or fuel or gas lines
- If you are travelling in a car during an earthquake, stop immediately and remain in your vehicle. Proceed only when the earthquake stops
- Avoid bridges and roads damaged by an earthquake
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