• Keep a safety kit nearby if you live in an earthquake prone area.pompei, ruins from the vulcano eruption image by Gary from Fotolia.com
  
  If you live in an area that is susceptible to earthquakes, keeping an earthquake kit prepared can help you survive in an earthquake emergency. Not only will you need to include supplies to live on while waiting for help to reach you, but items that can be used for identification and record keeping, as well. By having the necessary paperwork in your kit, you can start your life over again, even after surviving a major earthquake.
  
  

Storing Water

• Choose a plastic bottle that will not decompose, when storing water. The average adult will need two quarts of water each day according to Sfgate.com. That number is the average and should be adjusted upwards for children, those that are sick or women who are pregnant. A three-day supply of water is recommended. Replace your water every four to six months to keep it fresh.
  
  

Selecting Food

• Choose items that will not need to be prepared in an oven, microwave or on a stove. After an earthquake, it can take months for utilities to be restored. Choose foods that can produce high levels of energy, such as peanut butter and jelly. Rice and pasta should be avoided, as they require large amounts of water in order to be to prepared. For snacks, include granola bars and trail mix in your earthquake emergency kit. Hard candies and cookies can provide a sweet treat, but avoid chocolate, as it might melt.
  
  

Prepare for Injuries

• Store a collection of band-aids and sterile gauze pads for protection from infection, if you get an injury. Over-the-counter medicines, such as pain killers, laxatives and decongestants should be stored, as well. To help remove any foreign objects that might puncture your skin during an earthquake, include tweezers in your kit. A needle and thread can be useful to close a large wound, if you are unable to reach immediate medical attention.
  
  

Household Supplies

• Keep items that you would normally use in your home for personal cleanliness. This includes basics, such as toilet paper and soap. If you are a female or live with females, feminine hygiene supplies also should be kept in your kit. Garbage bags as well as a disinfectant can help reduce your exposure to contaminated foods and germs. For those with infants or toddlers, pack formula, diapers and wipes in your kit.
  
  

Documentation

• Keep your copies of your personal documents, such as a will or social security card in your personal earthquake kit. Other records that may be required after an earthquake include birth, marriage or death certificates. Bank account numbers and credit card numbers should be written down, and keeping a credit or debit card in your kit for an emergency will be useful to purchase supplies, if you can get to somewhere with electricity.