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What Should Be in an Earthquake Kit?

Medically Reviewed on 1/6/2023
Disease and Condition: First Aid
Earthquake Kit
Earthquakes have immediate and long-term effects on human life, which means being prepared for an emergency is important.

Making an earthquake kit or a premade kit allows your family to discuss what you would do if a major earthquake struck.

Generally, storing enough water, food, and gear for 72 hours (three days) in your household is recommended. This is to allow for the possibility that it will take some time for emergency personnel or rescue teams to arrive at your location following a major catastrophe. 

Remember to replace water and food once every six months. Check that your pets have current ID tags. Pets should have all their vaccinations up to date.

14 items for your earthquake kit

Consider adding the following items to your earthquake kit:

  1. Three days of food (energy bars and canned food)
  2. Flashlights with extra bulbs
  3. Three days of water supply for the family and water purification tablets
  4. Whistle
  5. Knife
  6. Matches
  7. Adequate supplies of medicines
  8. A few waterproof and heavy plastic bags to dispose of waste
  9. Personal items such as an extra pair of glasses or lenses
  10. Clothes and blankets
  11. Cash
  12. Copies of important documents
  13. Map with the family meeting place
  14. Batteries and power banks

What other precautions should be taken during an earthquake?

The following precautions should be taken during an earthquake:

  • Do not panic.
  • Drink plenty of water. Children, nursing women, and sick people need more water. Increased temperatures may double the need for water.
  • Drop down to hands and knees. This position helps you from falling but still allows you to move.
  • Cover your head and neck under the table.
  • If you are inside, stay inside. To reduce the risk of getting hurt, the following care should be taken:
    • Quickly move away from glasses, hanging objects, bookshelves, cabinets, and large furniture.
    • Protect your head from injuries.
    • If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow.
  • If you are in high-rise buildings:
    • Do not use elevators.
    • Stay in the building.
    • Move away from windows and doors.
  • If you are in crowded areas:
    • Stay calm.
    • Do not rush doorways as others may also follow you.
    • If it is possible, take something to shield or protect your head.
  • If you are out, you better stay outside and take the following preventive measures:
    • Avoid tall buildings, electric wires, telephone poles, trees, and sinkholes.
    • Move to an open area.
  • If you are driving a vehicle, stay to stop driving immediately and take some precautions such as:
    • Set the parking brake and stop the car safely away from buildings, sinkholes, and utility wires.
    • Switch on the radio for emergency broadcast information.
    • Stay inside the car; the car may shake a bit, but it is safe to stay inside the car.

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Medically Reviewed on 1/6/2023
References
Image Source: Getty image

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/during.html

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-emergency-supplies-do-i-need-earthquake#:~:text=First%2Daid%20kit%20and%20handbook,drinking%20water%20from%20other%20sources

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/build-an-emergency-kit-and-grab-and-go-bag

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html
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