How to Prepare an Earthquake Emergency Kit

An earthquake can strike without warning—and when it does, there may be no time to gather supplies. That’s why having a ready-to-go emergency kit is one of the smartest ways to prepare.

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to pack in your earthquake emergency kit, plus helpful extras for families, pets, and specific needs.

Why You Need an Earthquake Kit

After a major earthquake:

Power and water may be out for days
Roads could be blocked
Emergency services might be delayed

Having your own supplies ensures that you can survive and stay safe until help arrives.

The Essentials: Earthquake Kit Must-Haves

Water: 1 gallon per person per day (for at least 3 days)
Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit
Flashlight: With extra batteries or hand-crank option
First-Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, gloves, and basic medications
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: To get updates if cell towers are down
Power bank: To keep phones charged
Hygiene supplies: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste
Extra clothes and blankets: Stay warm and dry
Important documents: Copies of IDs, insurance, and medical records in a waterproof pouch
Cash: Small bills in case ATMs and card readers are unavailable
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife: For emergency use and repairs

Additional Items for Families

Extra food and water for children
Diapers, baby wipes, formula, and baby medications
Small toys, coloring books, or games for comfort

Pet Emergency Kit Items

Pet food and water
Leash, collar, and identification tags
Pet carrier or crate
Waste bags or litter box
Medications or first-aid for pets

Medical and Special Needs

Extra supply of prescription medications
Eyeglasses or contact lens solution
Hearing aids and spare batteries
Mobility aids (cane, walker, etc.) if needed

Where to Store Your Emergency Kit

Place it in an easily accessible location like a hallway closet or under a bed
Make sure all household members know where it is
Keep smaller kits in your car and at work if possible

Update Your Kit Regularly

Check expiration dates every six months
Rotate food, water, and medications
Update important documents and emergency contacts

Final Thoughts

You can’t stop an earthquake—but you can be ready when one hits. Building an emergency kit now is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Start small, build over time, and don’t delay. When the ground shakes, you’ll be glad you did.