1 of 11
You can never be too prepared when it comes to earthquake safety. An earthquake can hit at any time, and the best way for you and your family to stay ready is to assemble a kit with essential items that you may need in the case of emergency. Here's a list of 10 important things to get your home earthquake preparedness kit started so you can have some peace of mind if things get shaky.
2 of 11 Pixsooz/iStock/GettyImages
Water
Your kit should include at least one gallon of water per person for 3 days.
3 of 11 Hyrma/iStock/GettyImages
Nonperishable Foods
Plan to add nonperishable foods such as granola bars, dried fruits, and canned foods or juices.
4 of 11 czarny_bez/iStock/GettyImages
Flashlights & Candles
Flashlights and candles are critical in case of a power outage.
5 of 11 kiruk/iStock/GettyImages
Portable Radio
Keep at least one battery-operated radio on hand to stay up-to-date on important updates.
6 of 11 undefined undefined/iStock/GettyImages
Batteries
Extra batteries for your radio and other handheld devices will surely come in handy.
7 of 11 Fotonen/iStock/GettyImages
Cell Phone & Portable Charger
You should have juiced up portable chargers available to keep your cellular devices running during power outages.
8 of 11 monicayeom/iStock/GettyImages
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential to your preparedness kit in case of injury.
9 of 11 ralphgillen/iStock/GettyImages
Tools
You may have to turn off utilities, so make sure you include tools such as a wrench or screwdriver.
10 of 11 Krasyuk/iStock/GettyImages
Blankets & Sleeping Bags
Pack enough sleeping bags and warm blankets for each person.
11 of 11 everydayplus/iStock/GettyImages
Cash
Keep cash and coins on hand for any necessary purchases.
Other important items to include in your preparedness kit:
- Important prescriptions and medication
- Personal hygiene products
- Copies of important documents
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Extra clothes and shoes
- Rope
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- Gloves
- Candles
- Pet food
- Toilet paper
- Garden hose
- Games and recreational activities
OlyaSolodenko/iStock/GettyImages