Governor: Build an emergency quake kit

By Dave Toplikar

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | 5:27 p.m.

A flashlight, a battery-powered radio, medications and enough food, water and clothing to last for three to seven days.

Those are the items Gov. Jim Gibbons recommends that Nevada residents squirrel away in an emergency kit so they can be prepared for any disaster — including an earthquake.

The governor made that announcement today following a briefing from state university scientists and emergency management officials on the recent earthquakes in northern Nevada.

"The ongoing earthquake swarm in the Mogul area west of Reno reinforces the need for every citizen to create a personal emergency plan," Gibbons said. "By being prepared, citizens will be able to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property. By keeping and following a plan, citizens will help minimize the damage of any disaster and be better positioned to help their neighbors in their time of need."

Besides making an emergency kit, Gibbons also recommended that families develop an emergency response plan and make sure they can stay in contact with communications networks during times of emergency.

The governor also recommended reviewing homes for hazards, such as unsecured water heaters and heavy items topping shelves or bookcases.

For more preparations, see the Nevada Seismological Laboratory.