How to Build an Earthquake
Preparedness Kit

Creating an Earthquake Survival Kit

After an earthquake, it is not uncommon for effected cities to lose power and running water. It is imperative to keep essential supplies and gear in an earthquake survival kit. If you want to avoid building a kit from scratch, you can purchase a pre-made kit with quality supplies.

To build an earthquake kit from scratch, you will need the following supplies and gear:

• A Durable Bag or Toolbox – It’s important to store your supplies in a strong kit or bag. We prefer a backpack because it’s easier to transport than a toolbox.
• Food and Water – Fill your earthquake kit with enough non-perishable food and water for each person in your household for 3 days. We recommend using Mountain House^® Food Servings, Datrex^® and a Sawyer^® Water Filtration system.
• Portable Stove – If you lose electricity, you can heat up your food and water with this stove.
• Ferrocerium Rod and Tinder – Without electricity, you may need to start a fire. These two products will make it easy to start one after an earthquake.
• Eating Utensils – Pack plastic utensils in your kit to avoid eating with your hands.
• Light Sources – Keep light sticks, LED lanterns and flashlights in your earthquake preparedness kit. Use them to light a room or to direct light on specific objects.
• Blankets – The earthquake may temporarily displace you and your loved ones. Blankets will keep you warm in case you have to sleep at a shelter.
• Battery-operated/Hand-crank Radio – Get update to information on road conditions and other essential news with a battery-operated or hand-crank radio.
• Whistle – If you are trapped under debris, a whistle will allow you to signal for help.
• First Aid kit- It’s not uncommon to sustain an injury during an earthquake or cleaning up after one. Your first aid kit should have a pain reliever, adhesive and fabric bandages, burn cream, alcohol cleansing pads, butterfly would closures, antibiotic cream and a safety pin.
• Cell Phone Charger – Include either a solar-powered or a car cell phone charger in case you don’t have power.
• Bath Wipes – After an earthquake, you may not have the ability to shower. Keep bath wipes on hand to clean up.