We had an earthquake at 3am this morning. Eerily, I’ve had the sense one was coming. If you live in the Bay Area you know what I mean when I say it feels like earthquake weather lately. Additionally, as someone who experienced the 1989 earthquake, I don’t take this stuff lightly.

As I laid in bed trying to go back to sleep, I knew today I had to share a comprehensive earthquake emergency kit checklist. This needs a permanent spot on the blog so earmark this or pin it to a pinterest board…or print it out…and get yourself organized. I’m personally going to revisit my kit to ensure we are prepared.

Although my list is somewhat specific to the Bay Area, this is for everyone. No matter where you live – in or out of California.

This list is based on Official California Emergency Services & USGS Guidelines

 

WATER REQUIREMENTS

Quantity Needed:

• 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3 days, ideally 7-14 days)
• Include pets: 1 gallon per pet per day
• For 2 weeks at home: minimum 14 gallons per person

Storage & Purification:

• Store water in soft plastic containers or bottles that cannot break
• Replace stored water every six months
• Water purification tablets or unscented chlorine bleach
• Water purification kit
• Portable water filter

FOOD SUPPLIES

Duration:

• 3-day minimum supply of non-perishable food
• 7-14 day supply recommended for home

Recommended Foods:

Canned Goods:

• Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Canned juice, milk, and soup
• Canned beans and legumes

High-Energy Foods:

• Peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
• Nuts and dried fruits
• Energy bars
• Protein bars

Easy-to-Prepare Items:

• Choose foods in easy-to-open or serve packaging
• Instant noodles, oatmeal, cereals
• Ready-to-eat meals (MREs)
• Comfort foods such as cookies or candy

Special Dietary Needs:

• Food for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
• Baby formula and baby food
• Special dietary supplements
• Pet food

Essential Food Tools:

• Manual can opener (non-electric)
• Non-electric can opener and knife
• Camp stove or barbecue to cook on outdoors
• Fuel for cooking (stored safely away from children)
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

POWER & COMMUNICATION

Lighting:

• Simple flashlights in every room of your home
• Extra batteries for flashlights
• Pack of glow sticks in every room
• Battery-powered lanterns
• Headlamps (hands-free lighting)

Communication & Information:

• Battery-powered AM-FM radio (many models now include solar panels and hand cranks)
• NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Battery powered radio or television
• Emergency whistle for signaling help

Power for Devices:

• Power packs/portable chargers for multiple device charges
• Solar chargers
• Extra batteries (various sizes)
• Car charger adapters

FIRST AID & MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Complete First Aid Kit Including:

• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Sterile dressings
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic
• Burn ointment
• Eye wash solution
• Scissors and tweezers
• Safety pins and needles in assorted sizes
• Thermometer
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Prescribed medical supplies and medications
• Disposable gloves
• Instant cold packs
• Medical tape

Personal Medications:

• Prescription medications (7-day supply minimum)
• Moistened towelettes or wet wipes
• Sunscreen

SAFETY & PROTECTION

Personal Protection:

• Keep sturdy shoes near your bed (most earthquake injuries come from stepping on broken glass)
• Protective clothing including sturdy shoes and jacket
• Heavy gloves such as gardening gloves
• Face masks, dust masks, or gas masks
• Work gloves
• Safety goggles

Fire Safety:

• Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
• Smoke detectors with fresh batteries
• Flares (for car kit)

Shelter & Weather Protection:

• Water-resistant or waterproof tarp for shelter or property protection
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Plastic sheeting
• Emergency blankets (space blankets)
• Tent or pop-up shelter

SANITATION & HYGIENE

Personal Hygiene:

• Personal hygiene and sanitation items
• Hand sanitizer or liquid soap
• Toilet tissue, towels, and towelettes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers (if needed)
• Shampoo and body wash

Waste Management:

• Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste disposal
• Ziplock and trash bags
• Portable toilet or bucket with lid
• Toilet paper and wet wipes

TOOLS & SUPPLIES

Essential Tools:

• Plastic tape and duct tape
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Adjustable wrench (for gas shut-off)
• Crowbar or pry bar
• Hammer
• Screwdrivers
• String/rope
• Work gloves

General Supplies:

• Waterproof marker
• Pen and paper
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic containers with lids
• Emergency contact list
• Local maps (physical maps, as GPS may be unreliable)

FINANCIAL & DOCUMENTS

Cash & Valuables:

• Cash ($20-$100 in small bills)
• Credit cards
• Coins for payphones

Important Documents (Waterproof Container):

• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, licenses, insurance policies)
• Copies of personal documents, medication lists, medical information
• Proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports
• Emergency contact information
• Insurance policies
• Bank account information
• List of contact names and phone numbers

COMFORT & MORALE

Entertainment:

• Playing cards, books, entertainment materials
• Games for children
• Comfort items
• Photos of family members

Special Needs:

• Extra pair of glasses
• Special items for infants
• Extra set of car and house keys

PET SUPPLIES

Essential Pet Items:

• Food, water, medications, leash/carrier, tags, litter box, vaccination information, toys
• Pet carriers or crates
• Pet medications
• Comfort items/toys
• Waste bags
• Pet food and water bowls

STORAGE & MAINTENANCE

Storage Guidelines:

• Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire kit in easy-to-carry containers
• Keep supplies where you can reach them
• Label everything with dates
• Store in multiple locations (bedroom, garage, car)

Maintenance Schedule:

• Replace water every six months
• Refresh food items every six months
• Check and replace batteries twice yearly
• Update documents annually
• Review and update emergency plan yearly

LOCATION-SPECIFIC KITS

Work Kit (72-hour supply):

• Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Basic supplies from main list
• Stored in a “grab and go” case

Car Kit:

• In case you are stranded, keep emergency supplies in your car
• Include all basic supplies
• Emergency flares or reflective triangles
• Jumper cables
• Emergency tire repair kit
• Extra motor oil and fluids
• Road maps

BAY AREA SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS

Regional Hazards:

• After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, 12,000 Bay Area residents were displaced from their homes
• Prepare for potential tsunami evacuation routes if near coast
• Consider liquefaction risks in certain areas
• Plan for bridge closures and transportation disruptions

Additional Resources:

• Sign up for ShakeAlert (Earthquake Early Warning System)
• Know your evacuation routes
• Identify out-of-area emergency contacts
• Understand your neighborhood’s specific risks

Remember: At a minimum, you should be prepared to be isolated and on your own for at least three days and nights, with likely loss of utilities. This comprehensive kit will help ensure your family’s safety and comfort during and after a major earthquake.

Please consider getting organized now.

xo,

Sam