You also need to prepare survival equipment that includes the following items:
 
Tools and supplies

•    Ax, shovel, broom.
•    Screwdriver, pliers, hammer and wrench.
•    Rescue or pulling rope.

Safety and comfort items

•    Thick shoes for protection against broken glass, nails and rubble.
•    Gloves (thick and resistant to clean rubble). 
•    Candles.
•    Matches.
•    A change of clothes.
•    Knife.
•    Hose.
•    Tent.
•    Games for children and adults.
•    Sleeping bags or additional blankets.
•    A portable radio and flashlights (verify that the batteries are charged).
•    Glasses and medication.
•    Extinguisher (ensure it may be used for any kind of fire).
•    Food and water for household pets.
•    Toilet paper.
•    Cash.

Survival equipment for your car

Prepare survival equipment for your car with the following items. If you place them in a small bag you will be able to carry them easily in case you need to walk.

•    Blankets.
•    Bottled water.
•    A change of clothes.
•    Change for phone calls.
•    Extinguisher for any kind of fire.
•    First aid kit.
•    Emergency signals (flares, lamps, search lights, whistles, etc.).
•    Flashlight with electrical batteries.
•    Food.
•    Gloves.
•    Maps and a compass.
•    Rescue or pulling rope.
•    Pencil and paper.
•    Baby wipes.
•    Medication.
•    Battery operated radio.
•    Small mirror for signaling.
•    Toilet paper.
•    Tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, etc.).
•    Jump cables.
•    Duct tape.

Survival equipment for the work place

Have these items handy at your work place:
•    Non perishable food.
•    Bottled water.
•    Jacket or sweater.
•    Resistant shoes.
•    Battery operated radio and flashlight.
•    Essential medication.
•    Blanket.
•    First aid kit.
•    Glasses (and contact lens liquid if necessary).
•    Whistle or any object for signaling.

Water and food related concerns

Emergency food and water storage
•    A person must drink at least 4 liters of water per day. You will also need to prepare food, bathe, brush your teeth and wash utensils. Store necessary water for 3 to 5 days (at least 19 liters per person).
•    Water must be stored in plastic bottles with tight lids. Well rinsed chlorine bottles may be used. Juice and milk plastic containers are not recommendable since they are prone to leakage and cracking.
•    Stored water must be replaced every 6 months.
•    Try not to place water containers near pesticides, gasoline or any toxic substance. With time, fumes from these products may penetrate the plastic.
•    Do not store water containers in sunny areas. Try to place them in a fresh place.

Safe water sources at home

If you do not have enough water stored, there are some places where you can obtain drinking water.
•    From the water heater if it is not damaged.
•    Melting ice.
•    Canned fruit, canned vegetables, and liquids from any canned product.
•    Pool water (only when all other water sources are exhausted).

Dangerous water sources

Never drink water from these sources:
•    Radiators.
•    Water heating systems.
•    Water beds (fungicides added to the water or chemical products in the vinyl contaminate the water).

NOTE: Remember that sodas and soft drinks cannot replace water. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need to drink water.

Cooking and drinking water

Healthy drinking water must be bottled, boiled or treated. Your local or state health department will indicate recommended methods to boil or treat water in your area. The following are some general rules:

•    Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, make ice, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food.
•    If you use bottled water, make sure the cap has never been opened. When in doubt, boil or treat the water. Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water until the authorities determine that there is no risk in pipeline water.
•    Boiling water does not kill bacteria and parasites. Most organisms die when the water boils for 1 minute.

Mix the solution well and let it sit for around 30 minutes. It is important to note that this treatment will not kill parasites.

Water containers must be washed with a chlorine solution before using. Be cautious when using water storage tanks or any other type of containers. Fire truck storage tanks, for example, as well as previously used bottles and cans, may be contaminated with microorganisms or chemical products.

Emergency foods

•    Products that will be fresh for a long time if stored appropriately. 
•    Foods that don’t require cooking, water or refrigeration (in case power or gas supplies are interrupted).
•    Baby food, food for people with special needs and pet food. 
•    Food should not be too salty or spicy since they increase the need for water in water shortage situations.

Food storage methods in emergency situations

•    Food shortage may be an issue in emergency situations after a catastrophe. Try to have enough food for 3 days.
•    There is no need to purchase dehydrated or special food. Can food or dry mixes can be used after 2 years.
•    Certain storage conditions may also extend useful life of the food.  Dry, dark and fresh; these are the ideal conditions. The best temperature is between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius (40 to 60° F), heat may quickly deteriorate food.
•    Remove food from refrigerator and stove exhausts, and from petroleum based products such as gasoline, oil, paint and solvents.  Some food may absorb odors.
•    Protect food from rodents and insects. Products stored in cardboard boxes will keep fresh for longer if they are properly wrapped or packed in vacuum sealed jars.
•    Date foods. Use and replace food before it expires.
Food usage methods in emergency situations
Begin by consuming food in the refrigerator or freezer before using food reserved for emergency situations. Dispose of cooked food or food that has not been refrigerated for over 2 hours (regardless of appearance). Only consume food with normal odor, color and texture. Dispose of bloated or leaking cans.

Food preparation

The lack of water, power and gas might make food preparation very difficult. For this reason, it is very important to be prepared with the necessary utensils (knives, spoons, forks, cooking utensils, etc.); plates, napkins and paper cups; manual can and bottle openers; foil; a heating system such as a coal grill (ensure you have enough coal and that you don’t use the grill in enclosed places since the smoke may be a health risk).

NOTE: Do not use the chimney to cook until the shaft has been inspected and no damage is found. Sparks may escape through a crack and start a fire.