Building an Earthquake Emergency Kit: Complete Checklist

When a major earthquake strikes, you may be without power, water, or emergency services for 72 hours or longer. During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, some Los Angeles neighborhoods went without electricity for five days. After the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand, parts of the city had no running water for weeks. Your emergency kit isn't just recommended—it could save your life.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to survive and stay safe after an earthquake, from basic necessities to specialized items most people forget. Whether you're building your first kit or upgrading an existing one, this checklist will ensure you're truly prepared.

Water: Your #1 Priority

How Much Water Do You Need?

The standard recommendation is one gallon per person per day. This breaks down to:

• Half gallon for drinking
• Half gallon for sanitation and food preparation

For a family of four, that's 12 gallons for three days, or 28 gallons for a week. This seems like a lot, but dehydration becomes dangerous quickly, especially if you're stressed, injured, or doing physical work clearing debris.

Water Storage Options

Commercially Bottled Water

The easiest option. Store cases of bottled water in a cool, dark place. Rotate every 6-12 months, though unopened commercial water can last much longer. Look for bottles marked with a "best by" date rather than an expiration date—the water doesn't spoil, but plastic can degrade.

Water Storage Containers

Five-gallon stackable water containers are space-efficient and easier to move than single bottles. Choose food-grade plastic containers marked "BPA-free." Never reuse milk jugs or containers that held other beverages—they can harbor bacteria that water treatment won't eliminate.

Water Bricks

These 3.5-gallon rectangular containers stack efficiently and fit through doorways, making them ideal for apartment dwellers. They're more expensive but maximize limited storage space.

Water Purification

Even with stored water, include backup purification methods:

• Water purification tablets: Lightweight, inexpensive, shelf life of 5 years. Each tablet treats one liter. Stock 100+ tablets per person.
• Portable water filter: LifeStraw or Sawyer filters remove 99.99% of bacteria and parasites. Can filter hundreds of gallons. Essential if you need to use questionable water sources.
• Household bleach: Unscented chlorine bleach (5-9% sodium hypochlorite) can disinfect water. Use 8 drops per gallon, let sit 30 minutes. Only use as a last resort.
• Boiling: If you have a camping stove and fuel, boiling water for one minute (three minutes above 6,500 feet elevation) kills pathogens. Requires fuel storage.

Food: Three Days Minimum

What Makes Good Emergency Food?

Your earthquake kit food should meet these criteria:

• No refrigeration required
• Minimal or no cooking needed (you may not have power or fuel)
• Long shelf life (1+ years without rotation)
• Nutritionally dense (you need calories during stress)
• Familiar and comforting (stress reduces appetite; familiar foods help)

Essential Food Items

Ready-to-Eat Meals

• Canned goods: tuna, chicken, beans, vegetables, soup (choose pop-top lids when possible)
• Peanut butter or other nut butters (high protein, calorie-dense)
• Crackers (whole grain varieties last longer)
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Granola or protein bars
• Cereal (can be eaten dry or with shelf-stable milk)

Specialty Emergency Food

• MREs (Meals Ready to Eat): Originally military rations, now available to civilians. 1,200 calories per meal, 5-year shelf life, self-heating options available. Expensive but convenient.
• Freeze-dried camping meals: Lightweight, 25+ year shelf life, but require water to prepare. Not ideal if water is extremely limited.
• Emergency food bars: Designed for survival situations, 400-800 calories per bar, 5-year shelf life, require no preparation or water.

Comfort Foods and Morale

Don't underestimate psychological needs. Include:

• Instant coffee or tea bags
• Hard candy or chocolate (the kind that won't melt)
• Cookies or snack foods your family enjoys
• Powdered drink mixes to make water more palatable

Special Dietary Needs

• Infants: Formula (rotate every 3 months), baby food, bottles, sterilization tablets
• Medical diets: Diabetic-friendly foods, low-sodium options, gluten-free items
• Allergies: Ensure all emergency food is safe for family members with allergies

Kitchen Supplies

• Manual can opener (multiple, in case one breaks)
• Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Plastic bags (various sizes for food storage and waste)
• Camping stove with fuel canisters (store outdoors or in ventilated area)
• Waterproof matches or lighters

First Aid and Medical Supplies

After a major earthquake, emergency rooms are overwhelmed with critical injuries. Minor cuts, scrapes, and ailments you'd normally see a doctor for become your responsibility.

Comprehensive First Aid Kit

Basic Supplies

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes, 100+ count)
• Sterile gauze pads (4x4 inch, multiple boxes)
• Medical tape and adhesive bandage rolls
• Elastic bandages for sprains
• Triangular bandages for slings
• Butterfly bandages or steri-strips for wound closure
• Cotton balls and swabs

Wound Care

• Antibiotic ointment (multiple tubes)
• Antiseptic wipes and solution
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubbing alcohol
• Burn gel or aloe vera
• Hydrocortisone cream for rashes/reactions

Tools and Equipment

• Scissors (sharp, medical-grade)
• Tweezers for splinter removal
• Thermometer (non-mercury)
• Safety pins
• Disposable gloves (multiple pairs)
• CPR face shield
• Emergency blanket (prevents shock)

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Pain relievers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Antacids
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions
• Laxatives
• Anti-nausea medication
• Eye drops

Prescription Medications

This is critical and often overlooked:

• Maintain at least a 7-day supply of all prescription medications
• Request 90-day prescriptions from your doctor when possible
• Rotate medications as you refill prescriptions
• Store in original containers with pharmacy labels
• Keep a written list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors

For critical medications (insulin, heart medications, EpiPens), discuss emergency supplies with your doctor. Some insurance plans allow early refills for disaster preparedness.

Medical Information

• Copies of health insurance cards
• List of allergies and medical conditions for each family member
• Contact information for doctors and pharmacies
• Copy of important medical records
• Instructions for medical devices (CPAP, oxygen, etc.)

Light and Communication

Lighting Options

Flashlights

• LED flashlights (one per person minimum)
• Headlamps for hands-free lighting
• Extra batteries (check annually and replace as needed)
• Battery-free options: hand-crank or solar-powered flashlights

Area Lighting

• Battery-powered lanterns for room lighting
• Glow sticks (12-hour duration, safe for children, no heat or fire risk)
• Candles with sturdy holders (use with extreme caution—fire risk after earthquakes is high due to gas leaks)

Communication Equipment

Radio

A battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio is essential for receiving emergency broadcasts when cell towers are down. Look for these features:

• NOAA weather radio capability
• AM/FM reception
• Multiple power sources (batteries, hand crank, solar)
• USB port to charge phones (though cellular service may be down)

Communication Strategy

• Battery bank or portable phone charger (20,000+ mAh capacity)
• Car phone charger
• Whistle (for signaling if trapped—three short blasts is universal distress signal)
• Written list of emergency contacts (don't rely on phone memory)
• Local maps (GPS and data may not work)

Establish an out-of-state emergency contact. After major earthquakes, local phone lines are often jammed, but long-distance calls may go through. All family members should know to call this person and report their status.

Sanitation and Hygiene

When water is limited and sewage systems fail, sanitation becomes a serious health concern. Waterborne diseases can spread rapidly in post-disaster conditions.

Personal Hygiene Items

• Toilet paper (multiple rolls)
• Moist towelettes or baby wipes for cleaning without water
• Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol content, multiple bottles)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Soap (bar soap lasts longer than liquid)
• Shampoo (dry shampoo for water conservation)
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving supplies

Emergency Toilet Solutions

If your toilet doesn't flush (no water pressure) or sewage lines are damaged:

• Bucket toilet: 5-gallon bucket with snap-on toilet seat lid
• Heavy-duty garbage bags: Line bucket, dispose of waste safely
• Kitty litter or sawdust: Absorbs liquid and controls odor
• Commercial portable toilet: Self-contained units with waste bags

Never pour waste into storm drains or onto the ground near water sources. If possible, bury waste at least 200 feet from water sources and 6 inches deep.

Cleaning Supplies

• Household bleach (unscented for water purification and disinfection)
• Dish soap
• Plastic buckets with lids
• Disposable dishware to conserve water
• Heavy-duty trash bags (55-gallon drum liners work best)
• Disinfecting wipes

Tools and Safety Equipment

Essential Tools

• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife: Pliers, screwdriver, knife in one compact tool
• Wrench for gas and water shut-off: Know where your utilities are and how to turn them off
• Crowbar: For prying open jammed doors or moving debris
• Hammer: General repairs and emergency shelter construction
• Duct tape: Temporary repairs, sealing, marking
• Rope or paracord: 50-100 feet for securing items, rescue, shelter
• Work gloves: Heavy-duty for handling debris and sharp objects
• Safety goggles: Protect eyes from dust and falling debris
• N95 respirator masks: Essential in dusty conditions after building collapse

Fire Safety

• Fire extinguisher (ABC-rated, know how to use it)
• Smoke detector with fresh batteries
• Waterproof matches or lighters

Shelter and Warmth

• Tarp or plastic sheeting: 10x10 feet minimum for emergency shelter or covering damaged roof
• Emergency blankets: Mylar "space blankets" retain 90% of body heat
• Sleeping bags or blankets: If you must evacuate or if your home is unsafe
• Tent: If you have storage space, a camping tent provides shelter if your home is uninhabitable
• Extra clothing: Sturdy shoes, warm layers, rain gear

Important Documents

Store these in a waterproof, fireproof container or safe:

• Identification: copies of driver's licenses, passports, Social Security cards
• Insurance policies: home, auto, health, life
• Property deeds and mortgage documents
• Bank account and credit card information
• Medical records and vaccination history
• Prescriptions and medical equipment serial numbers
• Birth certificates and marriage licenses
• Wills and estate planning documents
• Contact list with phone numbers and addresses
• Photos of family members for identification/reunification

Keep digital copies on a USB drive or encrypted cloud storage. Take photos of your home and possessions for insurance claims.

Cash and Valuables

After a major earthquake, ATMs may not work and credit card systems may be down. Keep:

• $500-1,000 in small bills (ones, fives, tens, twenties)
• Quarters for phone calls and vending machines
• Traveler's checks as backup

Special Considerations

For Families with Infants

• Formula (two-week supply, rotate regularly)
• Bottles and nipples
• Sterilization equipment or tablets
• Diapers (3-day minimum supply)
• Diaper rash cream
• Baby wipes
• Baby food and snacks
• Pacifiers
• Comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal)

For Elderly or Disabled Family Members

• Extra wheelchair batteries or walker
• Oxygen supplies (if applicable)
• Hearing aid batteries
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution
• List of medical equipment serial numbers
• Copies of Medicare/Medicaid cards

For Pets

• Food (7-day supply)
• Water (1 gallon per day for large dogs)
• Medications
• Medical records and vaccination history
• Collar with ID tags and microchip information
• Leash and carrier
• Photos of pets for lost-and-found purposes
• Litter box and litter (for cats)
• Comfort items (toys, bedding)

Storage and Maintenance

Where to Store Your Kit

Primary Kit Location

Store your main kit in an easily accessible location that's likely to survive an earthquake:

• Ground floor or basement
• Near an exit
• Away from heavy furniture that could fall and block access
• Protected from flooding (not directly on basement floor)

Backup Kits

• Car kit: Smaller kit in your vehicle with 24-48 hours of supplies
• Work kit: Basic supplies at your workplace
• Go-bag: Backpack with essentials you can grab in 30 seconds

Maintenance Schedule

Every 6 Months

• Check expiration dates on food and water
• Test batteries in flashlights and radios
• Rotate prescription medications
• Update documents and contact information
• Review and update family emergency plan

Annually

• Replace batteries (even if they still work)
• Update children's clothing sizes
• Review and refresh comfort items
• Inspect tools and equipment for rust or damage
• Reassess family needs (new medications, dietary changes, etc.)

Set phone reminders for these checks. Consider scheduling them around daylight saving time changes as a memory aid.

Budget-Friendly Kit Building

A comprehensive emergency kit can be expensive if you buy everything at once. Here's a phased approach:

Week 1: Water and Basic Food ($50-75)

• One case of bottled water per family member
• Canned goods and manual can opener
• Basic first aid supplies

Week 2: Light and Communication ($40-60)

• Two flashlights with batteries
• Emergency radio
• Whistle

Week 3: Sanitation and Tools ($30-50)

• Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wipes
• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Basic tools: wrench, duct tape, work gloves

Week 4: Expand Food and Water ($50-75)

• Additional water storage
• More non-perishable food
• Water purification method

Ongoing: Specialized Items

• Camping stove and fuel
• Emergency blankets
• Additional first aid supplies
• Pet supplies
• Document copies

Many items can be found at discount stores, garage sales, or during camping gear clearance sales. The important thing is to start now, even if you can't afford everything immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting About Water

Many people focus on food and forget water storage. Water is more critical—you can survive weeks without food but only days without water.

2. Storing Food That Requires Cooking

If you don't have a camping stove or fuel, you need food that's ready to eat. Rice and pasta are cheap but useless without water and heat.

3. Not Testing Equipment

Don't wait for an emergency to discover your flashlight batteries are dead or your hand-crank radio doesn't work.

4. Inaccessible Storage

Your kit won't help if it's buried in the garage under boxes or in a second-floor closet blocked by earthquake damage.

5. Forgetting Pets

Shelters may not accept pets, and pet stores may be closed. Your animals depend on you for survival.

6. No Practice

If your family doesn't know where the kit is or what's in it, it's much less useful. Practice using items and discuss your emergency plan regularly.

7. Relying on Just One Kit

You might not be home when an earthquake strikes. Car kits and work kits ensure you have supplies wherever you are.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Preparedness

Community Preparedness

Connect with neighbors to coordinate emergency plans. Share skills and resources—one neighbor might have medical training, another has carpentry skills, another speaks multiple languages useful for helping diverse community members.

Emergency Skills Training

Consider taking CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training offered free in many communities. You'll learn:

• Fire suppression
• Light search and rescue
• Team organization
• Disaster psychology
• Disaster medical operations

Home Hardening

The best emergency kit is one you don't need to use. Earthquake-proof your home:

• Secure heavy furniture to walls
• Install latches on cabinets
• Strap water heater
• Secure hanging objects
• Know how to shut off utilities

The Bottom Line

Building an earthquake emergency kit isn't about paranoia—it's about practical preparation for a real risk. If you live in an earthquake zone, a major quake isn't a question of "if" but "when."

Start today. Even a basic kit with water, food, and first aid supplies puts you ahead of most people. Then build from there, one item or category at a time.

Remember these priorities:

1. Water (one gallon per person per day for 3-7 days)
2. Food (non-perishable, ready-to-eat, 3-7 days)
3. First aid and medications
4. Light and communication
5. Sanitation and hygiene
6. Tools and safety equipment
7. Important documents
8. Special needs (infants, elderly, pets)

Review and update your kit twice a year. Practice your family emergency plan. Know how to shut off utilities. Stay informed about earthquake risks in your area using resources like our real-time earthquake tracking map.

The life you save may be your own—or your neighbor's. Be prepared.

For more earthquake safety information, visit our comprehensive FAQ page or read about earthquake warning signs.