Imagine the ground suddenly shaking violently. In that scary moment, would you know exactly what you need to keep your family safe? Earthquakes don’t give warnings, and being prepared can make a huge difference between a scary situation and a manageable one. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about building an earthquake kit. There are so many things to remember – water, food, first-aid supplies – it can feel like a giant chore to figure out what’s truly essential and what’s just extra.
Feeling unsure about your current emergency supplies? You are not alone! Many people put off getting prepared because it seems complicated or time-consuming. But your safety is too important to wait. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what items belong in a reliable earthquake kit, making your planning simple and stress-free.
By the end of this post, you will have a clear, step-by-step checklist to build a powerful emergency kit. Get ready to take control of your family’s safety plan right now.
Top Earthquake Kit Recommendations
- 72-hour emergency kit for disaster preparedness: Stay prepared for emergency situations everywhere you go. Ready America emergency survival kits have enough supplies for 2 people for 3 days (72 hours). Basic essential emergency supplies as recommended by the American Red Cross, as well as a hygiene kit, dust masks, survival blankets and ponchos
- Includes 33-piece first aid kit: Comes with first aid essentials for minor injuries such as bandages and wound cleaning solution. Take care of medical emergencies with easy-to-use supplies. Great for a car emergency kit or boat accessories
- Food and water: Everything you need in case of an emergency. 2 x 2400 calories U.S. Coast Guard approved survival food bars, 6 x 4.225oz water pouches (both food and water have 5 year shelf life from date of manufacture), water purification tablets and a BPA free water bottle
- Deluxe additions: The deluxe emergency kit includes a stainless steel multi-function pocket tool with screwdriver, pliers and knife functions, a 4-function hand-crank power station with radio, charger and flashlight and siren capabilities, and so much more
- COLOR-CODED ORGANIZATION SYSTEM: Built for 2 Person for a 3-Day Period, Organized in Re-sealable Waterproof Packs
- FOOD + WATER + HYGIENE INCLUDED: 3600Calorie Food Bars with 5 Yr Shelf Life, Water Pouches (24), Water Purification Tablets (20), Full Hygiene Kit and More
- TOOLS TO THRIVE: 40+ expert-curated supplies including NOAA Hand Crank Flashlight / Radio / Phone Charger, First Aid Kit, Multi-Tool, Sleeping Bag, Tube Tent, 30-ft Nylon Rope, 5-in-1 Whistle, 2-Person Tube Tent, and much more
- VIDEO GUIDE TO YOUR SUPPLIES: Expert Video Guide Covering the Essential Preparedness Tips for Each Category of Your Supplies
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE | GIVES BACK TO DISASTER RELIEF | ONE-ON-ONE EXPERT SUPPORT
- [250 in 1 Survival Kit]: Having an emergency kit is an important step to prepare and protect your and household for some unforeseen events. This emergency survival kit is specifically designed and curated by 3 survival experts, includes total 250pcs multipurpose survival tools. It contains the most popular survival gear and tools, also a first aid kit that enough to treat a family or a group of friends under emergency circumstances.
- [Basic First Aid Kit]: Designed to stow conspicuously, the included first aid supplies are packed in a extra bright red bag. It includes essential items such as tweezers, scissors and pins, would pad, bandage triangulaire, tournquet, cotton buds, a generous supply of bandages etc. Perfect for taking care of any medical or emergency needs during outdoor wilderness adventures or disaster.
- [Portable Molle System Compatible Bag]: The 2022 upgraded emt bag was made of military grade water-resistant 1000D nylon with a size of 8” x 6.5” x 6''. You can attach it to other molle compatible backpack or combat vest or belt by using its back attachment straps or removal velcro panel. Great gift idea for men women or people who loves hiking, hunting, camping, car travel, wilderness adventure.
- [2022 Upgraded Version]: Nobody can count on friendly weather during an emergency. This kit can help you to deal with the worst. It is the most multifultional survival kit in the market, contains multifultional axe, f0lding shovel, parachute cord, knife, emergency tent and blanket, whistle, compass, and fire starter, lantern, raincoat. It could assist you in creating a makeshift shelter, provide additional security and warmth, retain body heat.
- [Must Have Survival Gear]: All of the items have been tested to ensure they can withstand even the toughest emergencies and conditions, such as outdoor adventure, hunting, camping, hiking, travel, natural disasters such as earthquake, tornado, flood. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can get you taken care of in 24hours.
- Emergency Kit For Disaster Preparedness: Stay Prepared For Emergency Situations Everywhere You Go. Ready America Emergency Survival Kits Sustain 2 People For 3 Days (72 Hours). Basic Essential Emergency Supplies Recommended By The American Red Cross
- Includes 33-Piece First Aid Kit: Comes With First Aid Essentials For Minor Injuries Like Bandages And Wound Cleaning Solution. Take Care Of Medical Emergencies With Easy-To-Use Supplies. Great For A Car Emergency Kit Or Boat Accessories
- Food, Water, Emergency Blankets: Everything You Need In Case Of An Emergency. 2 Survival Food Bars (2400 Calories) And Water Pouches With A 5-Year Shelf Life, Survival Blankets, Disposable Dust Masks, Nitrile Gloves, Whistle, Ponchos, Pocket Tissues
- Two Safety Light Sticks: In Case You’Re Outdoors Or In The Wilderness With No Light, This Emergency Bag Includes Two Safety Light Sticks. Equipped With Survival Gear For Hunting, Boating, Workplace, Camping, Backpacking, Fishing, Hiking, Travel, Home
- Emergency purified water for immediate use; lightweight and extremely compact
- Loss potential minimized due to individual sachets and ideal for storage
- Easy to dispense from a pre-measured sachet; superior packaging materials for optimum durability in your survival kit
- Such, Canadian Coast guard, EC and NZ approval (nan 8960 0112 4454 3)
- 5 years shelf life
- ✅【250 PCS First Aid Survival Kit, Meaningful and Cool Gifts Ideas for Families and Outdoorsman】Designed by army veterans and survivalists, the most compact and robust survival first aid kit contains essential first aid supplies and survival tools required for emergencies. Weighs only 2 Lbs, the kit is a must-have for your bug-out bag.
- ✅【Be Prepared for the Unexpected, Complete Comprehensive First Aid Essentials Exceeds OSHA Guidelines】The product includes more than enough med supplies to treat a single family under emergency circumstances. Perfect for taking care of any medical or emergency needs during outdoor wilderness adventures such as camping, backpacking, boy scouts, hiking, hunting and mountain biking.
- ✅【Molle EMT Pouch, Durable, Portable, and Water-Resistant】The military grade bag was made from 1000D water-resistant nylon, it offers three large compartments and many straps to get your supplies organized. The overall dimension of the kit is 8’’ x 6.5’’ x 5’’. The kit can be attached to any molle system: backpack, vest, vehicle molle panel.
- ✅【Top Quality Survival Gears Safeguard Your Next Adventure】Stuffed with the most essential survival gadgets: mylar space blanket, 3-mode tactical flashlight, multi-function paracord bracelet (compass, whistle), flintstone, knife, saber card, two 12 hour glow sticks and emergency rain poncho.
- ✅【All Weather, All Age, Multi-Purpose Survival Kit】From outdoor actions to general home and office needs, for the outdoorsman, preppers to boy scouts. With its comprehensive contents and coverage, you will be prepared anywhere you go.
- Emergency Kit For Disaster Preparedness: Stay Prepared For Emergency Situations Everywhere You Go. Ready America Emergency Survival Kits Sustain 4 People For 3 Days (72 Hours). Basic Essential Emergency Supplies Recommended By The American Red Cross As Well As A Hygiene Kit, Masks, Thermometer, Survival Blankets And Ponchos
- Includes 107-piece first aid kit that comes with first aid essentials including bandages and wound cleaning solution. Take care of medical emergencies with easy-to-use supplies. Great for a car emergency kit or boat accessories
- Food And Water: Everything You Need In Case Of An Emergency. U.S. Coast Guard Approved Food And Water Pouches With A 5 Year Shelf Life, Water Purification Tablets And A Bpa Free Water Bottle
- Deluxe Additions: The Deluxe Emergency Kit Includes A Stainless Steel Multi-Function Pocket Tool With Screwdriver, Pliers And Knife Functions, A 4-Function Power Station With Radio, Charger And Flashlight And Siren Capabilities, And So Much More
- EMERGENCY KIT FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Stay prepared for emergency situations everywhere you go. Ready America emergency survival kits sustain 1 person for 3 days (72 hours). Basic essential emergency supplies recommended by the American Red Cross as well as a hygiene kit, masks, thermometer, survival blankets and ponchos
- INCLUDES 33-PIECE FIRST AID KIT: Comes with first aid essentials for minor injuries like bandages and wound cleaning solution. Take care of medical emergencies with easy-to-use supplies. Great for a car emergency kit or boat accessories
- FOOD AND WATER: Everything you need in case of an emergency. U.S. Coast Guard approved food and water pouches with a 5 year shelf life, water purification tablets and a BPA free water bottle
- FOOD AND WATER: Everything you need in case of an emergency. U.S. Coast Guard approved food and water pouches with a 5 year shelf life, water purification tablets and a BPA free water bottle
- FOOD AND WATER: Everything you need in case of an emergency. U.S. Coast Guard approved food and water pouches with a 5 year shelf life, water purification tablets and a BPA free water bottle
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Earthquake Kit
When the ground starts to shake, being prepared makes all the difference. An earthquake kit, also called a survival or emergency kit, holds the supplies you need to stay safe until help arrives. This guide helps you pick the right one for your family.
Key Features to Look For in Your Earthquake Kit
A good kit does more than just sit in a closet. It needs the right tools for survival. Always check for these important features:
1. Duration and Capacity
- Days of Supplies: Most kits offer 72 hours (3 days) of food and water. For areas prone to long outages, look for 5-day or even 7-day options.
- Person Count: Ensure the kit matches your household size. A kit for one person will not work for a family of four.
- Storage Container: The container must be durable. A sturdy backpack or a waterproof, hard plastic bin works best.
2. Essential Survival Tools
- Water and Food: Look for sealed water pouches and high-calorie, non-perishable food bars.
- First Aid: A comprehensive first aid kit is non-negotiable. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and necessary personal medications.
- Light and Communication: A hand-crank or solar-powered NOAA weather radio is vital. Include a flashlight with extra batteries or a headlamp.
Important Materials and Durability
The quality of the items inside the kit determines how long they last and how well they work when you need them most.
Food and Water Quality
- Expiration Dates: Check the expiration dates on food and water. You must be able to replace these items every few years.
- Water Purification: High-quality kits include water purification tablets or a small filter straw. This gives you a backup if stored water runs out.
Tool Strength
- Multi-Tool: A strong stainless steel multi-tool (with pliers, knife, and screwdriver) lasts longer than cheap plastic versions.
- Emergency Shelter: Mylar space blankets are lightweight and retain body heat well. Ensure the whistle included is loud enough to signal rescuers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What separates a great kit from a mediocre one often comes down to small details.
Quality Boosters:
- Customization Slots: The best kits allow you to add your own prescription medicines or specialized baby/pet supplies.
- Waterproof Documentation: Having important papers (like insurance copies or emergency contacts) sealed in a waterproof bag improves readiness.
- Fire Starter: A reliable waterproof match container or ferro rod is much better than relying on a cheap plastic lighter.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheap Batteries: Kits packed with low-quality, non-name-brand batteries often fail quickly, even when stored properly.
- Flimsy Bags: If the main bag tears easily, the contents become exposed to moisture and pests, ruining the supplies.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the kit. You want things easy to find, even in the dark.
Ease of Access
When disaster strikes, panic can set in. A well-organized kit lets you grab what you need fast. Look for kits where items are separated into smaller, labeled pouches (e.g., one pouch for first aid, one for food).
Portability and Placement
Where will you keep this? If you live in an apartment, a backpack is best. If you are securing a home for a long-term outage, a larger plastic bin might work. Consider your primary use case: evacuation versus sheltering in place.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Earthquake Kits
Q: How much water should I store per person?
A: Experts recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for a minimum of three days.
Q: Should I buy a pre-made kit or build my own?
A: Pre-made kits save time, but building your own ensures you get the exact food, medication, and gear your family specifically needs.
Q: How often do I need to check my earthquake kit?
A: You should inspect and rotate all perishable items (food, water, batteries) at least once every six months.
Q: What is the most important item in the kit?
A: While many items are critical, clean water and a reliable way to communicate (like a radio) are often considered the top priorities.
Q: Do I need to include cash in my kit?
A: Yes. ATMs and credit card machines often do not work after a major disaster, so having some small bills is very important.
Q: Are candles safe to include in an emergency kit?
A: Candles can be a fire hazard in a stressful situation. Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns are much safer alternatives.
Q: What is NOAA radio, and why is it important?
A: NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A NOAA radio receives official emergency broadcasts, even if cell towers are down.
Q: Should I pack food for my pets too?
A: Absolutely. Include at least three days of your pet’s regular food, any necessary medications, and a leash or carrier.
Q: How heavy should a grab-and-go bag be?
A: A grab-and-go bag should ideally weigh no more than 15-20% of your body weight so you can carry it easily while evacuating.
Q: What is the difference between a 3-day kit and a 72-hour kit?
A: There is no difference. Both terms refer to a kit designed to sustain one person for three full days.