Prepare your household
A strong earthquake can cut water, power and communications, and make it hard to travel or buy essentials for days. Preparing calmly now helps you look after your family when it matters most.
No checklist guarantees safety. Adapt these recommendations to your household and follow instructions from the authorities.
01Emergency kit
What it is
A backpack or box with the basics to get through at least 3 days without services.
Why it matters
After an earthquake you may not be able to go shopping or receive help right away.
When to review
Every 6 months: replace food and water nearing expiry and test the batteries.
What to do
- Include water, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio, batteries, first aid kit, medicines and document copies.
- Store it somewhere cool, dry and easy to reach, near an exit.
- Consider a small kit for your car or workplace.
02Water and essential supplies
What it is
A supply of drinking water and basic products for your household.
Why it matters
Water service may be interrupted, and tap water may be unsafe for a while.
When to review
Check expiry dates; replace home-stored water every 6 months.
What to do
- Plan at least 1 gallon (≈3.8 L) per person per day; more in heat, or for children, pregnancy or illness.
- Use factory-sealed or clean food-grade containers; store away from sunlight and chemicals.
- Use the calculator below to estimate how much you need.
Water calculator
Assumption: 1 gallon (≈3.8 litres) per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene, per Ready.gov (FEMA). You need more in heat, or for children, pregnancy or illness.
This is a planning estimate, not a guarantee of sufficiency.
Source: Ready.gov03Household emergency plan
What it is
Simple agreements on how to communicate and where to meet.
Why it matters
An earthquake can strike while your family is apart and phone lines are overloaded.
When to review
Once a year, or when your family, school or work changes.
What to do
- Choose one meeting point near home and another outside your neighbourhood.
- Pick a contact person who lives outside your area.
- Plan for the needs of children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets.
- Write contacts on paper in case your phone dies.
04Home safety
What it is
Reducing objects that could fall, break or block exits.
Why it matters
Many earthquake injuries come from falling objects or broken glass, not building collapse.
When to review
When you move, renovate or rearrange furniture.
What to do
- Secure bookcases, wardrobes, TVs and water heaters to the wall.
- Keep heavy objects on low shelves.
- Keep hallways and exits clear.
- Identify a safer spot to take cover in each room.
05Practice and maintenance
What it is
Drills and regular checks of your preparedness.
Why it matters
Practice turns instructions into reflexes and reveals what is missing.
When to review
At least twice a year.
What to do
- Hold a family “drop, cover and hold on” drill.
- Make sure everyone knows how to shut off gas, water and power.
- Check expiry dates, batteries and plan contacts.
Checklist
Tick what you already have. Progress is saved only on this device.