Water — The Most Critical Supply
Store one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, aiming for two weeks if possible. Include water purification tablets or a portable filter as backup. Store water in food-grade sealed containers away from direct sunlight. Rotate stored water every six months.
Food — Three Day Minimum
Pack at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each household member. Focus on calorie-dense, low-preparation foods: energy bars, peanut butter, crackers, canned goods, dried fruit, and nuts. Include a manual can opener. Do not forget food for infants, pets, and anyone with dietary restrictions.
First Aid Kit
A comprehensive first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers (aspirin and ibuprofen), antidiarrheal medication, prescription medications (two-week supply), thermometer, tweezers, and first aid manual. Keep it in a waterproof container.
Documents and Financial Supplies
Store copies of critical documents in a waterproof bag: passports, driver's licenses, insurance policies, medical records, bank account information, and property documents. Keep $200-500 in small bills — ATMs may be inoperable after a major earthquake. Include a recent family photo for identification.
Communication and Lighting
Include a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for emergency broadcasts. Pack multiple flashlights with extra batteries, or a hand-crank flashlight. A fully charged power bank for mobile phones is essential. Solar-powered charging panels work for extended power outages.
Tools and Safety Equipment
Whistle to signal for help, dust masks (N95 or better), plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelter-in-place scenarios, work gloves, local maps (paper copy), fire extinguisher rated ABC, and wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity before a disaster occurs.
Sanitation Supplies
Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer, garbage bags with twist ties for sanitation, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, and bleach (unscented) for disinfecting water. A portable camp toilet or instructions for building a temporary latrine may be needed if sewer lines are damaged.
Shelter and Warmth
Space blankets (emergency thermal blankets) for warmth, one complete change of warm clothing per person, sturdy closed-toe shoes near your bed in case of nighttime earthquakes, sleeping bags or extra blankets, and a tent in case you cannot shelter in your home.
