Earthquake emergency kit

Earthquakes give no warning. During the shaking: drop, cover and hold on. Afterwards, the risks are injuries, broken glass, gas leaks and days without services.

Before it happens

Secure tall furniture to the wall.
Keep shoes and a torch by the bed.
Know how to shut off gas and water, and keep the right tool nearby.
Agree on a meeting point outside the home.

When it happens

Drop, cover and hold on: get down, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there’s no table, cover your head and neck against an inside wall.
Don’t run outside or stand in a doorway. Most injuries come from falling objects and glass.
In bed: stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
Outdoors: stay outside, away from buildings, trees and power lines. Driving: pull over away from bridges and overpasses, and stay in the car.

Afterwards

Expect aftershocks, and drop, cover and hold on again each time.
If you smell gas, open the windows, leave, and call the gas company from outside. Only turn the gas off if you suspect a leak: a professional has to turn it back on.
Text rather than call, so the networks stay free.
If you’re trapped, cover your mouth, and tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle rather than shouting.

The kit

Start with the L1 kit (72 hours). For this hazard, these items matter most:

Sources: Ready.gov (FEMA). Last reviewed: October 2026.