Build your earthquake emergency kit

The easy option is one ready-made kit, then add water. If you would rather build your own, this section has the full item list, how much water to store, and extras for kids, pets, medications, the car, work, and under the bed.

Building your own instead?

Here is the full item list if you would rather build the kit yourself, or add to a ready-made one. Only five key add-ons are linked — the rest you can buy anywhere, and you may already own them. No prices are listed because they change; the links are affiliate links (see the disclosure at the bottom of this page).

Store the main household kit in a spot you can reach after a quake, in bins or duffel bags that you can move. Do not bury it behind a stacked garage. Check food, water, batteries, and medications at least once a year, and whenever your family's needs change.

How much water to store

Ready.gov and Cal OES both start with 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days, or "several days." Earthquake Country Alliance, in guidance developed with Cal OES, says to store that amount for at least three days and ideally up to two weeks, and even longer if you live in a desert or remote area. That same statewide booklet asks families to think about sheltering at home for up to three weeks. FEMA's earthquake safety checklist also tells households to consider a two-week water supply and to be ready to manage on their own for up to two weeks. That is a lot of water, so build toward it as budget and storage space allow.

How much water that really is

Children, nursing parents, hot weather, and medical needs can all raise that number. Ready.gov says not to ration drinking water unless authorities tell you to. Buy commercially bottled water and keep it sealed in a cool, dark place, or use food-grade containers; replace homemade stored tap water about every six months, and replace bottled water by the date on the bottle.

Ready-made kit versus a DIY kit

A pre-made emergency kit is a convenient start, especially if you want one box you can grab. The usual tradeoff is that many ready-made kits are light on water (water is heavy, so it is often sold separately), may only cover 72 hours, and will not include your prescriptions, child or infant supplies, or pet food. A DIY kit costs more time and can cost less money, and you can build it around your family. A solid middle path is a ready-made starter kit, then add water, medications, and personal items until you reach two weeks, and longer if you live in a desert, mountain, or other remote area.

Kids, pets, and medications

Kids

• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On at home, including in their bedrooms, so the first time is not during a real quake.
• Ask the school or daycare what their earthquake plan is, who can pick the children up, and how they will reach you if cell service is overloaded.
• Pack formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash cream if you have a baby or toddler, plus any special foods or comfort items (a small toy, crayons, a book, a stuffed animal).
• Include a change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each child.
• Write down allergy and medication information, and put a recent photo in the go bag in case you get separated.

Pets

• Store pet food and extra water (1 gallon per pet per day, same as people).
• Keep a leash, carrier, waste bags, and any medicines with the kit.
• Make sure tags are current, and consider a microchip so your pet can be linked back to you if you are separated. Keep a photo of you with your pet in the kit.
• Know which hotels or shelters accept animals, because not every evacuation site will.

Medications and medical needs

• Aim for at least a 7- to 10-day supply of prescription medications if your doctor and pharmacist can help you get that, plus copies of prescriptions and a list of doses.
• Include glasses or contact lens supplies, hearing-aid batteries, and any devices you need every day.
• Add basic non-prescription items: pain reliever, any regular stomach or allergy medicine, and child versions where needed.
• If someone in the house has a disability or limited mobility, plan for Lock, Cover, and Hold On (wheels locked, head and neck protected), and pack the equipment or support that person needs to stay safe and get out if the house is damaged.

Car kit, work bag, and under-bed bag

Under-bed bag (earthquake-specific)

Earthquake Country Alliance recommends a closed bag at each bed with sturdy shoes and socks, glasses, a flashlight or headlamp, a dust mask, a whistle, and work gloves. Optional extras are a small first aid kit, a hard hat, and a crowbar for a jammed door. Put one in the kids' rooms too, at a height they can reach.

Go bag and car kit (about 3 days)

• Water and snacks, a flashlight, a radio or phone charger, and a small first aid kit
• Medications, a prescription list, and spare glasses if you have them
• A whistle, dust mask, sturdy shoes, hygiene supplies, and a little cash
• Copies of ID and your out-of-area contact list, plus a paper map
• Comfort items and any special supplies for kids or pets
• In the car: also keep a charger, a blanket, and the kit somewhere you can reach if you have to pull over and stay put

Ready.gov says to be ready to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. A work bag can be smaller than the home kit, but it should include water, food, medications, comfortable walking shoes, and a way to communicate.