Earthquake Preparedness Kit: What You Actually Need

Every year, the United States experiences thousands of earthquakes. Most go unnoticed, but the ones that matter — magnitude 6.0 and above — can collapse buildings, rupture gas lines, and leave entire regions without power or water for weeks. The USGS estimates that 143 million Americans live in areas with significant seismic risk, with the highest concentrations along the Pacific Coast, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central U.S., and the Wasatch Front in Utah.

The fundamental challenge with earthquakes is that they arrive without warning. Unlike hurricanes or winter storms, there is no forecast window. When the ground starts shaking, your preparation is already done — or it is not. This guide covers what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, with specific product recommendations organized by budget tier.

Before an Earthquake: Preparation Checklist

Earthquake preparedness is about two things: securing your home to minimize damage and assembling supplies to sustain your household when infrastructure fails. Here is what actually matters, in priority order.

Secure Your Living Space

Start with the highest-impact actions that cost little but prevent serious injuries:

• Anchor tall furniture to wall studs using furniture anchor straps. Bookcases, dressers, and entertainment centers become deadly projectiles in strong shaking. This is a ten-minute job that could save a life.
• Strap your water heater with seismic bracing. A toppled gas water heater is one of the leading causes of post-earthquake fires.
• Install cabinet latches on kitchen cabinets to prevent heavy dishes and glassware from flying out during shaking.
• Move heavy items to lower shelves in closets and storage areas. Gravity is not your friend in an earthquake.
• Know your shutoff valves. Keep a water shutoff wrench attached to your main valve with a zip tie so you can find it by feel in the dark.

Build Your Earthquake Kit

Your kit should be stored in a location that remains accessible even if parts of your home are damaged — a garage shelf near the door, a hallway closet, or an exterior storage bin.

Essentials ($50–$100):

• Water shutoff wrench
• Furniture anchor straps (set of 6–8)
• Emergency water pouches (72-hour supply)
• Crank-powered flashlight with USB charging port
• Basic first aid kit
• Dust masks (N95) for post-earthquake debris
• Work gloves for clearing rubble

Solid Prep ($100–$300):

• Seismic gas shutoff valve (professionally installed recommended)
• 7-day water storage (1 gallon per person per day)
• Emergency AM/FM/NOAA radio (battery or crank powered)
• 72-hour food supply (freeze-dried meals or MREs)
• Heavy-duty pry bar (for freeing trapped people or opening jammed doors)

Fully Prepared ($300–$1,000+):

• Portable power station with solar panel charging
• 30-day emergency food supply
• Gravity water filter system (filters 6,000+ gallons from any freshwater source)
• Comprehensive trauma first aid kit with tourniquet and splints
• Satellite communicator for when cell towers are down

Create a Family Plan

Decide on a meeting point if family members are separated during an earthquake. Pick a local spot (a neighbor's yard) and an out-of-area contact person who can relay messages if local phone lines are overloaded. Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with every member of your household at least twice a year.

During an Earthquake: What to Do When the Ground Shakes

You will likely have zero warning. The shaking might last 10 seconds or it might last two minutes. Here is what to do.

If you are indoors:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Get under a sturdy desk or table. Hold onto its legs so it does not slide away from you. If no table is available, crouch next to an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, exterior walls, and anything that could fall on you.
• Do not stand in a doorway — this is outdated advice. Modern door frames are no stronger than any other part of the house.
• Do not run outside during shaking. Most earthquake injuries happen near building exits from falling debris, glass, and facade pieces.

If you are outdoors:

• Move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, trees, and overpasses.
• Drop to the ground and protect your head.

If you are driving:

• Pull over to a clear area away from overpasses, bridges, and power lines.
• Stay in your car with your seatbelt on until shaking stops.
• If a power line falls on your car, stay inside and wait for emergency responders.

After an Earthquake: Recovery Steps

The first hours and days after a major earthquake are when your preparation pays off. Infrastructure may be severely disrupted.

1. Check for injuries. Administer first aid to anyone who needs it before moving on to property assessment.
2. Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear hissing, open windows, leave the building, and call 911 from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches.
3. Check for structural damage. Look for cracks in walls, shifted foundation, chimney damage, and water leaks. If the structure looks unsafe, leave and do not re-enter until it has been inspected.
4. Turn off utilities if damaged. Use your water shutoff wrench and gas wrench if you suspect damage to those lines.
5. Listen to your NOAA weather radio for aftershock warnings, official shelter locations, and recovery guidance.
6. Document damage with photos for insurance claims before cleaning up.
7. Expect aftershocks. Major earthquakes are almost always followed by aftershocks that can be nearly as strong as the initial quake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.

Official resources:

• FEMA Earthquake Resources
• American Red Cross Earthquake Safety
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

Frequently Asked Questions