PDX Quake Prep
The Reference Binder
Every kit includes a printed reference binder on weatherproof Rite in the Rain paper. It covers what to do before, during, and after an earthquake or other disaster. Make safe decisions confidently when it matters most, even without internet access.
Topics covered in our reference materials include:
- Making an emergency plan
- Work and car kits
- Under-the-bed supplies
- Water storage and treatment
- Emergency food storage
- Dependents and pets
- Medical needs
- Warm clothes and shelter
- Important documents
- Securing objects in your home
- Seismic retrofits
- Utility shutoffs (gas, water, electricity)
- Finding and treating water after a disaster
- Toilet use without running water
- Assessing structural damage
- Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
- Getting information via radio and BEECN sites
Some of the information that is only relevant before a disaster (securing your hot water heater, sanitizing water containers for long-term storage, etc.) links to reputable sources online. These sources can also be found at our resources page.
Supplemental Documents
In addition to our original writings, the binders include printed copies of public-domain materials produced by U.S. federal government. You do not need to purchase our product to access any of this information.
We print these documents on weatherproof paper and compile them for convenient use, but the underlying content is entirely free and publicly available. We encourage everyone, customer or not, to download, print and read these materials.
- Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness (FEMA P-2064) FEMA / Ready.gov — Comprehensive household preparedness guide covering hazard-specific actions, evacuation planning, and recovery. September 2020.
- Choosing and Using Fire Extinguishers U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) — Types of fire extinguishers, how to read classification labels, and how to use them safely.
- Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water (EPA 816-F-15-003) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water — How to boil and bleach-disinfect water during emergencies. September 2017.
- Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods U.S. Food and Drug Administration — What to do with refrigerated and frozen food before, during, and after a power outage. January 2023.
- Emergency Wound Care After a Natural Disaster Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — First aid for wounds sustained during and after natural disasters, including flood water exposure. CDC CS-285676-A.
- How to Make Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Step-by-step illustrated guide for preparing ORS to treat dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. CDC CS-229310.
- Down Power Lines and Electrical Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Advice to avoid electrical hazards and render light first aid to anyone injured by an electrical hazard.
- Power Outage Safety Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Guidance for staying safe during a power outage, including Carbon Monoxide safety; managing extreme temperatures; and food, water and medication safety.
- Carbon Monoxide Safety Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Information on the sources, symptoms, treatment and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning.