Apple Earthquake Survival Kit
The Apple Earthquake Survival Kit from 1986 gave critical safety instructions to employees — and it could probably still be used for advice today.
Consisting of three scans converted into a PDF, Apple distributed the documentation to all employees and also assembled an Earthquake Risk Reduction Task Force "at the direction of executive staff." It also includes a brochure titled "How do you plan to survive?" with helpful safety tips.
"If you live in California, you will probably experience a major earthquake during your lifetime," the document says. "Preparing today for such a disaster could save your life, and the lives of your family and the other people around you."
The kit involves a compilation of recommendations outlining the dos and don'ts to follow during an ongoing earthquake. For example, it recommends choosing a place to take cover before an earthquake hits and making a reunification plan for family members.
Other tips include:
- Provide strong support and flexible connections on all gas appliances.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top shelves and hanging objects over beds.
- Remove or isolate flammable materials.
- Have a battery-operated radio and a flashlight near your bed and sturdy shoes under it.
- Have on hand a supply of food and water — rotate supplies as recommended in the Red Cross Earthquake book.
The useful manual contains practical instructions that remain relevant and applicable to this day. While it remains uncertain whether this is the sole survival kit produced by Apple, it's possible that the company still releases survival instructions for employees, such as the earthquake guide's advice to "Take an earthquake safety training course at the Fitness Center."
