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 warmth

Answer 1

When preparing a Disaster Supplies Kit (DSK) for an earthquake-prone area, it's essential to include various critical items that can assist in survival and recovery in case of an emergency. Here’s an overview of the key items to include in your home, workplace, and car disaster supplies kit, along with reasons why they are important:

Disaster Supplies Kit Items:

1. Whistle to Signal Rescue Workers (A):

   • Reason: In the aftermath of an earthquake, buildings may collapse, and finding survivors can be a challenge. A whistle is an effective way to signal for help without expending too much energy. It can carry sound farther than a voice, making it easier for rescuers to locate individuals who may be trapped.

2. Spare Batteries to Power Radio or Flashlight (B):

   • Reason: In the event of an earthquake, power outages are common, making it crucial to have a backup source of power for essential devices. A battery-powered radio can help you stay informed about emergency updates, while a flashlight provides necessary light for safety and navigation in dark conditions. Ensuring you have spare batteries allows these devices to function when you need them most.

3. Pipe or Adjustable Wrench for Turning Off Gas and Water Valves (C):

   • Reason: Earthquakes can cause gas leaks and water line ruptures, which can lead to fires or flooding. Having a wrench allows you to quickly shut off these supplies if a leak occurs, potentially preventing more significant damage or danger. This tool is a critical part of maintaining safety and ensuring that you can limit hazards in your environment after an earthquake.

4. Lighter or a Supply of Matches in a Waterproof Container to Light Candles or Start a Fire for Warmth (D):

   • Reason: While starting a fire for warmth or cooking can be important in certain scenarios, it's worth noting that using open flames in a disaster scenario can pose a risk, particularly in debris-strewn environments or if flammable materials are present. While having a lighter or matches can be useful, it’s essential to balance this with the safety considerations outlined above.

Conclusion:

All the items listed (A, B, C, and D) except one provide essential support in emergency situations following an earthquake. However, while having fire-starting materials is useful, extreme caution should be exercised due to the risks of fire hazards amid potentially unstable environments. In a general list of essentials, lighter or matches might be considered less critical than robust safety tools or communication devices.

Therefore, if we're indicating an item that might be less necessary compared to others in an earthquake preparedness kit, D (lighter or a supply of matches) is the item that may be excluded in some circumstances, depending on the specific needs and context of the affected area.