Earthquake Survival Kits

You just never know about an earthquake and that’s why an earthquake survival kit is so important.


Hurricanes give you plenty of warning.  Tornadoes can certainly sneak up on you but the weather may tip her hand that bad things are in store.  Floods follow heavy rains.  But earthquakes … you just never know

Although we can’t predict when an earthquake will hit, we can prepare for one if it does.  Steps you take beforehand can help ensure your survival if one should occur.

When the ground shakes violently, things fall.  Bookcases, cabinets, large TVs, mirrors – many things can tumble and break and cause damage to you during an earthquake.

A director of a California earthquake center recommends securing large items that may fall over.  It’s recommended to latch cabinets to prevent their contents from spilling out.  Bookshelves can be strapped so they don’t readily tip over.  Even a water heater can be securely fastened to the wall so they aren’t dislodged and tipped.

The director highly encourages families to develop an earthquake disaster plan.  Although admittedly, very few families actually do.

Plans should include a location where everyone will meet if an earthquake hits when you’re not all together.  It’s also advised to select a friend or relative who lives out of state.  This agreed-upon person can be the contact point and coordinate family member’s whereabouts and assist in the reunion.

Utilities are typically the first to go in an earthquake.  And one thing everyone needs – and must have – is water.  Clean, drinkable water may not be available immediately following a quake.  It’s a smart move to keep plenty on hand – enough for several days.

A good rule of thumb for water storage is to have one gallon per person per day.   In hot climates, having even more water is recommended. Water is best kept in plastic containers.  Large thermos-type dispensers are great but empty milk jugs or soda bottles also work well.

Fires are very common during an earthquake.  Gas lines are ruptured and power lines are downed.  This sets up a real danger for fires to occur.

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.  Fire fighters are especially busy immediately following a disaster and might not be readily available to your location if needed.  A charged and ready to go fire extinguisher could be the difference in something getting a little charred in a small fire to having the whole house burn down waiting for help to arrive.

During an earthquake, it’s important to know what to do: “Drop.  Cover.  Hold On.”

Drop: Quickly get under a large desk or table.  You need protection from falling debris.

Cover:  The desk or table will help, but if you’re not near one, drop next to an interior wall and cover your head.  Make yourself as ’small’ as you possibly can.  (Think fetal position.)

Hold On:  Holding on will let you ‘move with the earthquake’.  Grab a hold of the desk or table leg to stable yourself and stay protected.

Earthquake Survival Items

An earthquake will surely alter everyone’s lives for a time.  Normal, routine amenities you’re used to having available might not be.  It’s a good idea to stock up on some necessities to prepare for an earthquake.

Your earthquake survival kit should include a first aid kit.  This can be kept in a container similar to a tackle box for easy portability and to keep it safe from water.

Important items to keep in your first aid kit include:

  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds
  • Aspirin and/or pain tablets
  • Individually wrapped alcohol swabs
  • Prescriptions medications (keep these current)
  • Diarrhea medicine
  • Eye drops

You’ll also want to have various sizes of Band-Aids, sterile dressings, adhesive tape and ace bandages.  Cuts and bruises are very common during an earthquake.

Other good-to-have items to include in your earthquake survival kit besides a first aid kit include:

  • Pocket knife
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Multi-purpose tool (i.e. Leatherman)
  • Plastic bags
  • Soap
  • Safety pins
  • Needle and thread
  • Thermometer

Items for the home to keep handy are brooms, mops, rope, plastic sheeting, and assorted tools.  Things break or come apart when the earth moves.  You may have to repair or make-safe items damaged during the quake.

Not all items that are good to have available after a quake are first-aid oriented.  Life gets rather disrupted during this time and it’s good to have some creature comforts to ease the disruption.

A portable radio can help pass the time but it can also be a lifeline during an emergency.  Be sure to have plenty of batteries on hand or invest in a hand-crank unit.  You’ll want to be kept up to date on local emergency actions and any shelters that have been set up to handle evacuees.

Power lines are often cut so you can expect a loss of electricity.  We take for granted having lights and things that keep us comfortable with a flick of a switch.  But these little amenities will not be available, so be sure to have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.

You might not be able to cook, so having a small supply of ready-to-eat food is suggested.  Canned meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits are easily stored and don’t require heating to eat.  (Be sure to include a can opener though!)

Although we can’t predict when or even if an earthquake will hit, we can be prepared if it should happen.  Gathering important supplies to include in your earthquake survival kit will help you immediately following Mother Nature’s temper tantrum.  Think ahead, be prepared, and be safe.