How much water should an earthquake kit have?

At least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days; two weeks is better if you can store it, per Ready.gov.

Should you call or text after an earthquake?

Text. Phone networks get overloaded after a quake, and text messages use less bandwidth, so they are more likely to get through.

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Earthquake

The Complete Earthquake Preparedness Checklist for 2026

Q: What should you do during an earthquake?

Drop to your hands and knees, Cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Ready.gov calls this Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Everything you need to know to prepare your home and family for an earthquake. From emergency kits to evacuation plans.

By ReadyAF Team · January 15, 2026 · Updated June 20, 2026 · 8 min read

Key takeaways

Earthquakes strike without warning and cannot be predicted, so your kit and home prep must already be in place (USGS).
During shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On — drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture, and hold on until it stops (Ready.gov).
Kit basics: one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio, first aid, and a 7-day medication supply.
Secure heavy furniture to walls and know your gas, water, and electric shutoffs before a quake hits.
Afterward, expect aftershocks and text instead of calling to keep networks clear.

Can earthquakes be predicted?

No. The USGS states that scientists cannot predict when or where a specific earthquake will strike. Unlike hurricanes or winter storms, there's no advance notice — no time to run to the store, no chance to "prepare later." When the ground starts shaking, you either have what you need, or you don't.

What should be in an earthquake kit?

Build around water, food, light, first aid, and the tools to shut off utilities.

Water & food

Water: one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (Ready.gov); two weeks is better if you can store it.
Food: non-perishable items for 3+ days (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit).
Manual can opener — don't forget this crucial item.

Light & communication

Flashlights with extra batteries.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates.
Portable phone chargers.

First aid & medications

A complete first aid kit.
A 7-day supply of medications — both prescription and over-the-counter — plus copies of prescriptions (Ready.gov lists prescription medications as a kit item; the CDC recommends keeping at least a week's supply).

Tools & safety

A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
Heavy-duty work gloves, N95 dust masks, and a whistle to signal for help if trapped.

How do you earthquake-proof your home?

Secure heavy furniture (bookcases, cabinets, water heaters) to wall studs.
Know your shutoff locations for gas, water, and electricity.
Create a family communication plan.
Identify safe spots in each room — under sturdy tables, against interior walls.

What should you do during an earthquake?

The official guidance is Drop, Cover, and Hold On (Ready.gov):

DROP to your hands and knees.
COVER your head and neck under sturdy furniture.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

What should you do after an earthquake?

Check for injuries and provide first aid.
Check for hazards such as gas leaks and structural damage.
Text instead of calling to preserve network capacity.
Be prepared for aftershocks.

If you live in a seismic city like Los Angeles, Seattle, or San Francisco, pair this with our guide to the items most people forget in an emergency kit.

Get your personalized earthquake preparedness kit based on your exact location and household needs.