Top items to prepare for major earthquake

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES -- The 8.1-magnitude earthquake that hit Mexico was a terrifying real life wake-up call for many Southlanders.

Many people headed to SOS Survival Products in Van Nuys to put their earthquake kits together.

Owner Jeff Edelstein says his store usually gets busy after natural disasters.

"Getting earthquake prepared is very simple. It's having supplies before a disaster happens," Edelstein said.

Edelstein says everyone should have an earthquake kit that has food, water, hygiene supplies, lighting and first aid.

After you have your kit together, it's time to prepare your home. Fasten and bolt down heavy furniture, use putty or wax to anchor collectibles and keep them from breaking, have an evacuation plan and know how to shut off your utilities.

And it's important to check your earthquake kits annually to make sure things like batteries are still working -- and add to it if needed.

For more information, visit abc7.com/preparesocal.

Top 5 things to have in your emergency kit

Water / Food

First aid kit

Lighting

Hygiene

Cash & important documents

*Emergency kit should be by your front door or hallway closet

Top 5 things to have/prepare your home

Have a kit

Fasten furniture/loose heavy objects

Know where utility shutoffs are

Have evacuation plan and exit routes

Fire extinguisher

Top 5 things to have in bag under bed

Pair of shoes so you don't have to search

Whistle to alert rescuers if you are trapped

Gloves, if there is broken glass

Flashlight

Crowbar to pry open door if trapped

(List above provided by Jeff Edelstein of SOS Survival Products)