Do you live in an earthquake prone area of the country? Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for your home, workplace, and car. The kit should include the items listed above. Elaborate on the reason to include specific tools in your DSK, and why. All BUT ONE answer choice applies.

Question

Responses
A whistle to signal rescue workerswhistle to signal rescue workers
B spare batteries to power radio or flashlightspare batteries to power radio or flashlight
C pipe or adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water valvespipe or adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water valves
D lighter or a supply of matches in a waterproof container to light candles or start a fire for warmthlighter or a supply of matches in a waterproof container to light candles or start a fire for warmth

Answer 1

Creating a Disaster Supplies Kit (DSK) for an earthquake-prone area is essential for ensuring safety and survival in the event of a disaster. Here’s a detailed overview of the suggested items to include in your home, workplace, and car kits, along with reasons for their inclusion.

Disaster Supplies Kit Contents

1. Whistle to signal rescue workers

   • Reason: A whistle is a compact and lightweight signaling device that can effectively attract attention during a rescue operation if you’re trapped or unable to shout. Its sound can carry over long distances, making it a crucial tool for communicating your location.

2. Spare batteries to power radio or flashlight

   • Reason: Earthquakes can cause power outages, and having spare batteries ensures that you can keep essential devices like radios and flashlights operational. A battery-powered radio is important for receiving emergency updates, while a flashlight is vital for visibility in dark conditions.

3. Pipe or adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water valves

   • Reason: After an earthquake, there is a risk of gas leaks and water line ruptures. A pipe or adjustable wrench allows you to safely and quickly turn off these valves to prevent potential explosions or flooding, which can be life-threatening.

4. Lighter or a supply of matches in a waterproof container to light candles or start a fire for warmth

   • Reason: Having a lighter or waterproof matches allows you to start fires for warmth or to cook food in case of an extended power outage. However, this item should be carefully considered in terms of safety, as using open flames can pose risks in certain environments, especially if there are flammable materials nearby.

One Item That Does Not Apply

Among the listed items, the requirement for choosing one that does not necessarily apply can be subjective, but all items have their own significance. However, if you had to pick one that could be deemed less critical in terms of immediate survival in an earthquake scenario, it might be the lighter or matches. Here’s why:

• Consideration Against Include: While starting fires can be helpful, the immediate priorities after an earthquake typically include ensuring safety from structural damage, managing gas leaks, and staying informed. Depending on your location, the presence of flammable materials might make using matches or lighters more hazardous than beneficial.

It is essential to tailor your Disaster Supplies Kit based on your specific situation, environment, and safety considerations. Each locality may have different risks to account for, so personal judgment should apply when finalizing your DSK.