In light of the recent earthquakes in Mexico, Indonesia, and off the coast of Oregon it seems like high time we talk about emergency preparedness.  The last thing you want to think about when you’re preparing to go abroad is how you’ll deal with an emergency but you might have to. You can’t control the tectonic plates or off-shore winds but you can control your response to them. We’ve already mentioned how important it is to register all of your travel with the state department and honestly, we can’t say it enough. Registering with the state department isn’t a way for the government to keep tabs on you while you travel (that’s what your passport is for) it’s a way for them to hunt you down and save your life in an emergency. Get on it.

The purpose of an earthquake kit (or any disaster supply kit) is to keep you stocked in the essentials in the event of an emergency. It should be self contained, portable, and easily accessible. In addition, it should contain the things you need to stay alive for at least 3 days.  If you head here you’ll see the US government’s take on disaster preparedness; it’s comprehensive and most definitely worth a peruse.

Here is everything you need to make a study abroad friendly emergency kit: ...   [more]