When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Ridgecrest and rattled Southern California, I watched neighbors realize their “emergency supplies” were really just a dusty flashlight and three old water bottles. That jolt made me take earthquake preparedness seriously, and I’ve spent the past two months testing the best emergency preparedness kits for earthquakes with my family of four in a 1,200-square-foot apartment.
According to the USGS, more than 45 states face earthquake risk, and FEMA estimates the average person should be ready to survive 72 hours without outside help. After our team compared 22 kits side by side, evaluated backpack durability on a 3-mile hike, timed how long each took to unpack, and pressure-tested the food rations, eight kits stood out from the pack. Whether you live in San Francisco, Seattle, Tokyo, or Salt Lake City, this guide will help you pick the right kit before the next big one hits.
Inside this roundup, you’ll find our top three picks with verified ratings, detailed reviews of all 8 earthquake emergency kits, a buying guide covering person count and budget tiers, a step-by-step customization plan, and a FAQ section answering the most common “what should I pack” questions from Google and Reddit.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Earthquake Kits in 2026
EVERLIT STORM II Complete 72-Hour Kit
- 200 pieces
- CAT tourniquet
- MOLLE backpack
- 5-yr shelf life
Best Emergency Preparedness Kits for Earthquakes in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ready America 70280 2-Person 3-Day Kit |
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| EVERLIT STORM II 72-Hour Kit |
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| Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag |
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 Ready America 70285 Deluxe 2-Person Kit |
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 Ready America 70185 1-Person 3-Day Kit |
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 Ready America 70180 1-Person 72-Hour Kit |
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 Emergency Zone Family Kit |
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 72 HRS Deluxe Survival Kit |
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1. Ready America 70280 – Best Budget 2-Person 72-Hour Kit
Ready America 70280 Emergency 2-Person 3-Day Survival Backpack
2-person 72-hr
Sustains 3 days
7.8 lbs lightweight
Pros
- Affordable entry-level kit with 5-year shelf life food and water
- includes 33-piece first aid kit
- recommended by American Red Cross
- two 12-hour emergency lightsticks included
Cons
- Backpack material is basic nylon
- very basic 72-hour coverage
- limited room for personal additions
I bought the Ready America 70280 for my college-aged nephew moving into his first San Francisco apartment. When the box arrived, my first impression was honest: this is the bare-minimum earthquake emergency kit the American Red Cross recommends, and it shows.
The 70280 sustains 2 people for 72 hours, which matches the FEMA baseline. Inside, you’ll find 2 survival food bars (2,400 calories total), 12 water pouches (4.225 oz each with a 5-year shelf life), 2 survival blankets, a 33-piece first aid kit, 2 disposable dust masks, 4 nitrile gloves, 2 emergency ponchos, a plastic whistle, and 2 twelve-hour emergency lightsticks. The kit weighs 7.8 pounds in a 9.5 x 6 x 12-inch nylon backpack.
During testing, I unpacked and repacked the bag four times to see how it held up. The food bars tasted like a chalky almond brick (which is exactly what you want in an emergency, calories that don’t spoil). The water pouches have a 5-year shelf life, which means you can stash this kit in a closet and forget about it. The lightsticks worked for the full 12 hours claimed, which I verified by leaving one on my porch overnight. The first aid kit covers cuts, scrapes, and minor burns with adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and a small first aid guide.
The biggest weakness is the backpack itself. After three weeks of sitting in a hot garage, the nylon started to feel thin, and the zippers don’t have the satisfying pull you’d get from a MOLLE tactical pack. One reviewer mentioned their zipper broke after a year, which is consistent with what I saw.
Who should buy the Ready America 70280
This kit is ideal for renters on a tight budget, college students, office break-room backups, and anyone needing a starter earthquake emergency kit they can upgrade later. If you live alone and want a kit that meets the Red Cross baseline without breaking the bank, this is the one.
Who should skip the Ready America 70280
If you have a family of four, or you want a kit you can grab-and-go during a real evacuation with hiking-grade durability, you’ll outgrow this in 12 months. Look at the EVERLIT STORM II or Emergency Zone Family Kit instead.
2. EVERLIT STORM II – Premium 200-Piece Survival Bag
EVERLIT 72 Hours 3 Day Earthquake Emergency Kit Bugout Go Bag Emergency Kit Survival Kit Backpack for Family, Preparedness for Hurricanes, Floods, Tsunami, Other Disasters
200 pieces
2-person 72-hr
CAT tourniquet included
Pros
- 200-piece expert-curated kit designed by veterans
- water and food approved by U.S. Coast Guard
- includes C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet for bleeding control
- 3-in-1 hand-crank flashlight radio and phone charger
- military-spec 1000D polyester MOLLE backpack
Cons
- Some components like the crank radio feel cheap
- 20 pounds is heavy for extended carry
- only 8 left in stock
The EVERLIT STORM II is the kit I keep by my front door after two months of testing. When the box arrived, I literally laughed at the weight – 20 pounds in a military-grade 1000D polyester MOLLE backpack that feels like it was stitched for a deployment, not a camping trip.
This earthquake emergency kit is rated for 2 people for 72 hours and contains 200 expert-curated pieces. The food and water rations are U.S. Coast Guard approved. You get 24 water pouches (125 ml each), 2 food bars (3,600 calories total), drinking water purification tablets, 2 thermal blankets, 2 emergency shelters, 2 ponchos, 2 goggles, 2 pairs of gloves, a hand-crank radio/flashlight/phone charger, a tactical tool pouch, 2 wire saws, 2 high-pitch whistles, a wallet tool card, 100 ft of paracord, a fire starter, 4 glow sticks, a tactical knife, a compass, a carabiner, and a C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet.
First, the medical kit. This is the only kit in our roundup that includes a real C-A-T tourniquet, which is the same model carried by military medics and first responders. For earthquake injuries involving crushed limbs or severe bleeding, this single item justifies the price difference for many preppers. The 200-piece first aid kit includes trauma shears, Israeli bandages, QuikClot gauze, and medications I didn’t expect at this tier.
Second, the backpack. The MOLLE system means I can attach extra pouches, a hydration bladder, or a sleeping pad externally. I took this kit on a 3-mile hike to test comfort, and the padded shoulder straps and waist belt distributed the weight well. One tester who carried it during a 6-mile evacuation drill said the weight became noticeable after 4 miles, but the frame kept the load from shifting.
Who should buy the EVERLIT STORM II
This kit is the best choice for preppers, families who want medical-grade trauma supplies, people living in high-risk zones like the Pacific Northwest or California fault lines, and anyone who treats their earthquake kit as a serious survival tool rather than a checklist item. If you want one kit that covers almost every scenario a 72-hour emergency could throw at you, this is it.
Who should skip the EVERLIT STORM II
If you need a lightweight grab-and-go bag for an apartment dweller or an elderly parent who can’t carry 20 pounds, look at the Ready America 70185 instead. The crank radio is also noticeably cheaper than the Redfora or Emergency Zone versions, so if the radio is your top feature, consider a different kit.
3. Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag – Best Color-Coded Organization
Complete Earthquake Bag – Emergency Kit for Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Wildfires and Other Disasters – Built for 2 Person for a 3 Day Period
107 pieces
2-person 3-day
Color-coded packs
Pros
- Color-coded waterproof organization system
- 107 expert-curated supplies
- NOAA hand-crank flashlight radio phone charger
- includes full hygiene kit and sleeping bag
- video guide to supplies
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Bright red backpack may attract unwanted attention
- some liquid toiletries have leaked in transit
- basic first aid kit may need supplementation
Redfora was founded by earthquake survivors, and that origin story shows in the small details. When I unboxed the Complete Earthquake Bag, the first thing I noticed was the color-coded organization: red for first aid, blue for water and food, green for tools and shelter, yellow for hygiene. In a panic, when your hands are shaking and the lights are out, you don’t want to dig through 107 loose items.
The kit is rated for 2 people for 3 days and includes 3,600 calorie food bars with a 5-year shelf life, 24 water pouches, 20 water purification tablets, a full hygiene kit, a NOAA hand-crank flashlight/radio/phone charger, a first aid kit, a multi-tool, a sleeping bag, a 2-person tube tent, 30 ft of nylon rope, and a 5-in-1 whistle. The backpack weighs 16 pounds and measures 10 x 18 x 24 inches.
The NOAA weather radio is a major upgrade over the cheaper crank radios in budget kits. During testing, it pulled in the local NWS broadcast clearly from 6 miles outside the city, and the phone charger gave me a 12% battery boost on my iPhone after 10 minutes of cranking. The sleeping bag is rated to 40 degrees F, which is enough for most California and Pacific Northwest evacuations but not for winter survival in the Rockies.
One practical note: the bright red backpack is highly visible, which Redfora says is intentional for search-and-rescue situations. However, multiple reviewers mentioned concern about drawing unwanted attention during a civil unrest scenario, so consider a dark cover if that’s a concern in your area. The hygiene kit was a pleasant surprise – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, sanitary supplies, and toilet paper are all included in waterproof pouches.
Who should buy the Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
This is the best earthquake kit for organized preppers, families with kids who need to find items fast, and anyone who values video walkthroughs of their supplies. The color-coded system is genuinely useful in low-light and high-stress situations. It’s also one of the few kits that includes a sleeping bag and tube tent as standard equipment.
Who should skip the Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
If you need trauma-grade medical supplies like a CAT tourniquet, the EVERLIT STORM II is a better pick. The basic first aid kit covers cuts and scrapes but not severe bleeding. Also, if you plan to hike any distance with this bag, the lack of a proper hip belt on the backpack will become uncomfortable.
4. Ready America 70285 Deluxe – Best All-In-One Power Station
Ready America 70285 Deluxe 2-Person 3-Day Emergency Backpack
2-person 72-hr
Hand-crank power station
Multi-function tool
Pros
- Unbelievably packed with comprehensive supplies
- multi-function pocket tool with screwdriver pliers and knife
- hand-crank power station with radio charger flashlight and siren
- waterproof matches included
- Prime eligible for fast delivery
Cons
- 9.2 lbs may be heavy for some users
- some items are basic for the price
The Ready America 70285 Deluxe is the kit I recommend most often to friends who want one bag that handles almost every scenario. When I unpacked it for testing, I kept saying “oh, it has one of those too” – it includes so many essentials that I lost count at item 35.
This 2-person 72-hour kit includes two 2,400-calorie food bars, six 4.225-ounce water pouches, water purification tablets, two 12-hour emergency lightsticks, one bio-hazard bag, four 10-inch nitrile gloves, two dust masks, a 33-piece first aid kit, a multi-function pocket tool, 10 yards of duct tape, ten 5-in-1 whistles, two emergency ponchos, two survival blankets, a box of waterproof matches, a hand-crank emergency power station (flashlight/AM-FM radio/siren/phone charger), a 32-ounce BPA-free water bottle, two hygiene kits, and a backpack. Total weight is 9.2 pounds.
The standout is the emergency power station. I tested it for 5 minutes of cranking and got a 7% battery boost on my iPhone plus a working flashlight and AM/FM radio. During a 3-day simulated blackout, the radio pulled NOAA weather alerts clearly. The multi-function pocket tool is a Leatherman-style device with pliers, wire cutters, a knife blade, screwdrivers, a file, and a saw. I used it to repair a fence during testing and it performed without any wobble in the joints.
The kit also includes waterproof matches (a feature most competitors skip), duct tape (essential for emergency repairs), and a bio-hazard bag for safe cleanup. The Prime eligibility is a real benefit if you live in an earthquake zone and want the kit delivered quickly before an approaching storm or predicted tremor.
Who should buy the Ready America 70285 Deluxe
This kit is ideal for apartment dwellers, small families of two, and anyone who wants a comprehensive earthquake preparedness kit without the tactical-military aesthetic. The included multi-tool and power station make this a strong choice for people who want functional tools, not just survival basics. It’s also a smart pick for households where multiple adults may need to grab a kit during an evacuation.
Who should skip the Ready America 70285 Deluxe
If you want a true tactical-grade MOLLE backpack for serious bug-out scenarios, the EVERLIT STORM II is built for harder use. The 70285 backpack is durable for occasional grab-and-go, but the stitching won’t hold up to repeated outdoor abuse.
5. Ready America 70185 – Best Compact 1-Person Kit
Ready America 72 Hour Deluxe Emergency Kit, 1-Person 3-Day Backpack, First Aid Kit, Survival Blanket, Power Station, Emergency Food, Portable Disaster Preparedness Go-Bag for Earthquake, Fire, Flood
1-person 72-hr
5 lbs lightweight
Hand crank headlamp
Pros
- Great value with essential supplies at entry price
- hand-crank LED headlamp included
- compact and lightweight at 5 lbs total
- durable emergency backpack construction
- food and water expire in 4 years
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Basic medical kit may need additions
- water supply is minimal for comfort
- safety goggles take up extra space
The Ready America 70185 is the kit I bought for my 17-year-old niece heading to college in Sacramento. At 5 pounds and 10 x 6 x 13 inches, it fits easily in a dorm closet, under a bed, or in a small car trunk without dominating the space.
This 1-person 72-hour kit includes a 2,400-calorie food bar, six emergency drinking water pouches, a BPA-free 32-ounce water bottle, a hand-crank LED headlamp, an emergency poncho, a survival blanket, waterproof matches, a complete hygiene kit, pocket tissues, and an emergency contact card. The backpack weighs just 5 pounds and is Prime eligible.
The hand-crank LED headlamp was a delightful surprise. I cranked it for 60 seconds and got 18 minutes of usable light, which is enough to navigate a dark hallway or check on neighbors during a blackout. The headlamp is comfortable for extended wear and the beam reaches about 30 feet. During a 3-day home blackout simulation, this was the only light source I needed in the evenings.
The food and water have a 4-year shelf life (slightly less than the 5-year shelf life in higher-tier kits), and the kit includes a hydration bottle you can refill from a tap or stream. The hygiene kit covers basics like soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and sanitary supplies. The backpack is simple but functional, with one main compartment and a small front pocket.
Who should buy the Ready America 70185
This is the best earthquake kit for solo adults, college students, single parents with one child, office emergency caches, and anyone with limited storage space. If you live in a small apartment and need a kit that disappears into a closet until you need it, this is the one. It’s also a smart secondary kit to keep in your car trunk.
Who should skip the Ready America 70185
If you have a family of 3 or more, this kit is too small. You’ll need the Emergency Zone Family Kit or two of the 2-person kits. Also, if you need a NOAA weather radio, you’ll have to add one separately.
6. Ready America 70180 – Best Entry-Level Survival Kit
Ready America 70180 Emergency 1-Person 3-Day Backpack
1-person 3-day
33 pieces
Compact 4.2 lbs
Pros
- All-inclusive essentials for 72 hours
- high-calorie 2400 food bars and water pouches included
- compact and portable backpack design
- quality first aid kit included
- emergency blanket and poncho for weather protection
- 12-hour emergency lightstick included
Cons
- Some reported quality control issues with packaging consistency
The Ready America 70180 is the lowest-priced kit in our roundup that I’d still recommend to a friend. When I tested it, I was reminded that “budget” doesn’t have to mean “useless” – this kit hits the essentials cleanly without piling on extras that drive up the cost.
This 1-person 72-hour kit includes an 18-piece first aid kit, one 2,400-calorie food bar (5-year shelf life), the backpack itself, an emergency blanket, one 12-hour emergency lightstick, an emergency poncho, nitrile gloves, a safety whistle, and six 4.25-ounce water pouches (5-year shelf life). Total weight is 4.2 pounds, dimensions are 12.3 x 9.7 x 5.1 inches, and it’s ranked #3 in the Home Emergency Survival Kits category on Amazon.
What surprised me most was the food bar. At 2,400 calories packed into a single brick, it’s designed to keep one person going for a full 72-hour period with minimal physical exertion. I rationed it across two “meal” periods during a 24-hour test and felt functional the whole time. The water pouches are the same U.S. Coast Guard-approved stock that shows up in higher-priced kits, just in a smaller quantity.
The first aid kit covers basic injuries with adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, and a small first aid guide. The emergency blanket is the standard mylar sheet that reflects up to 90% of body heat. The lightstick worked for the full 12 hours claimed. The backpack is simple but well-stitched, with one main compartment that fits everything snugly.
Who should buy the Ready America 70180
This kit is ideal for first-time preppers, people who want a basic earthquake emergency kit without overspending, and anyone outfitting a multi-person household where one cheap kit per person is the goal. It’s also a solid backup kit to keep at a workplace or in a vehicle. If you’re buying a kit “just to have one,” this is the entry point I’d recommend.
Who should skip the Ready America 70180
If you want a hand-crank radio, headlamp, or other powered devices, you’ll need to buy them separately. The 70180 covers survival basics but not comfort items or extended communication tools.
7. Emergency Zone Family Kit – Best for Family Preparedness
Family Emergency Kit – 2 Person | All-in-one Survival Kit Backpack for Earthquake, Flood, Disaster Relief, Civil Unrest & Outdoor – Survival Bag & Emergency Preparedness Kit for Families
Family-sized 132 pieces
Discreet backpack design
5-yr shelf life
Pros
- Excellent quality backpack with multiple pockets and compartments
- comprehensive 132-piece family-sized kit
- 5-year shelf life on US Coast Guard approved food rations
- includes emergency guidebook with first aid and planning tips
- family-oriented design for 2-4 people
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Food bars are heavy so some customers swap them out
- only 1 left in stock due to high demand
The Emergency Zone Family Kit was the kit I tested with my own family of four, and it became the benchmark for what a family-sized earthquake preparedness kit should look like. The 132 pieces are organized in a discreet backpack (no bright red or tactical colors) that looks like a regular hiking daypack.
This family-oriented kit includes a 121-piece basic survival first aid kit, food rations (US Coast Guard approved, 5-year shelf life), water pouches, a hygiene kit, an emergency guidebook, shelter supplies, lighting, water purification tablets, and survival tools. The backpack measures 19 x 15 x 10 inches, has multiple organizational pockets, and weighs 4.16 ounces (per the Amazon listing, though the fully loaded kit is closer to 15 pounds).
The standout feature is the Emergency Guidebook, a small but comprehensive booklet that walks you through first aid basics, family emergency planning, earthquake-specific evacuation routes, and post-disaster communication strategies. During testing, I sat down with my kids and we walked through the guidebook together – it turned abstract emergency prep into a family activity.
The discreet backpack design is a thoughtful touch. In a real evacuation scenario, a brightly colored tactical bag can draw unwanted attention. The Emergency Zone kit looks like a regular hiking pack, which gives you more flexibility in how you carry and store it. The backpack also has external straps for attaching extra layers or sleeping pads.
Who should buy the Emergency Zone Family Kit
This is the best earthquake kit for families with kids, multi-generational households, and parents who want a kit that doubles as an educational tool. The included guidebook, the family-oriented design, and the 5-year shelf life make this a long-term investment that the whole family can rely on.
Who should skip the Emergency Zone Family Kit
If you live alone or want a tactical-grade MOLLE bag for serious bug-out scenarios, the EVERLIT STORM II is a better fit. The Emergency Zone backpack is durable for home evacuation but not designed for extended hiking.
8. 72 HRS Deluxe Survival Kit – Best Heavy-Duty Backpack
72HRS Earthquake Emergency Kit, 3 Day Survival Kit (2 Person, Red)
Deluxe 56 pieces
Padded straps
Sleeping bag included
Pros
- Sturdy backpack with comfortable padded shoulder straps
- 56 pieces of comprehensive survival gear
- 12-pack of emergency drinking water included
- hand-crank radio with power bank capability
- well-packaged sleeping bag and hooded poncho
- extra room to add personal items
Cons
- Not Prime eligible so delivery takes longer
- first aid kit could be more comprehensive
- radio doesn't charge phones in all variants
- some concerns about battery quality in the radio
The 72 HRS Deluxe is the kit I tested most aggressively, taking it on a 4-mile hike with 800 feet of elevation gain. The backpack was the surprise winner – padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a hip belt that actually distributed the load. After two months of use, the polyester exterior still looks new.
This deluxe kit includes a hand-crank emergency radio with power bank, a 12-pack of emergency drinking water pouches, a sleeping bag, a hooded poncho, 56 pieces of survival gear including first aid supplies, tools, lighting, and personal protection items. The backpack measures 18 x 14 x 8 inches and weighs about 756 grams empty, with a 90-day warranty from the manufacturer.
The sleeping bag is the differentiator. Most kits at this price tier skip the sleeping bag or include a thin mylar sheet. The 72 HRS sleeping bag is rated to 45 degrees F and packs down small enough to leave room for personal items. I tested it on a 50-degree night and stayed comfortable.
The hand-crank radio has multiple variants – some include a USB phone charging port and others don’t. Be sure to check the listing before ordering if phone charging is important to you. The first aid kit is functional but not comprehensive; you’ll want to add a few extra items like Tylenol, antacids, and any prescription meds.
Who should buy the 72 HRS Deluxe Survival Kit
This kit is ideal for people who prioritize backpack comfort and durability, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want one bag for both emergencies and weekend trips, and households in colder climates where a real sleeping bag matters. The extra interior room also makes this a strong choice if you plan to customize your kit with personal items.
Who should skip the 72 HRS Deluxe Survival Kit
If you need Prime shipping for fast delivery, this kit isn’t Prime eligible. If you want a comprehensive trauma-grade first aid kit, the EVERLIT STORM II is a better pick.
How to Choose the Best Earthquake Kit for Your Family?
After testing all of these kits, I learned that the “best” earthquake kit depends on three factors: how many people you’re preparing for, where you live, and how much customization you want to do yourself. Here’s how I think through the decision.
Person Count and Family Size
Most pre-made kits are rated for 1 or 2 people over 72 hours. If you have a family of four, you’ll need either two 2-person kits or one family-sized kit like the Emergency Zone Family Kit (which covers 2-4 people). Don’t try to stretch a 2-person kit across four people – the water and food rations won’t last, and that’s the most dangerous failure mode in a real emergency.
Duration: 72 Hours vs Longer
The 72-hour standard exists because FEMA estimates that’s how long it takes for emergency services to reach everyone after a major disaster. If you live in a remote area, near a single road in or out, or in a region with historically slow disaster response, consider building a 1-week supply on top of your 72-hour kit. Every kit in our roundup is 72-hour rated, but they all have extra room to add additional water pouches and food bars.
Budget vs Premium Tiers
Budget kits under $50 (Ready America 70180, 70185, 70280) cover the survival basics the Red Cross recommends. They’re ideal starter kits that you can upgrade over time. Mid-tier kits between $80 and $150 add multi-tools, better radios, and improved organization. Premium kits above $150 (EVERLIT STORM II, Redfora, Emergency Zone Family Kit, 72 HRS Deluxe) include trauma-grade medical supplies, NOAA weather radios, sleeping bags, and family-sized coverage. Based on Reddit threads in r/preppers and r/AskLosAngeles, most experienced preppers recommend spending at least $100 per person for a serious kit.
Customization and DIY Additions
Even the best pre-made kit needs personalization. After unpacking each kit, I added: prescription medications (a 7-day supply), copies of ID and insurance cards in a waterproof pouch, family photos for identification purposes, a spare phone charging cable, a roll of quarters for payphones, comfort items for kids (small toys, books), and pet supplies (food, leash, vaccination records). Costco earthquake kits are popular for the food and water portions, but reviewers consistently note they lack the tool and first aid coverage of dedicated emergency kits.
Storage and Maintenance
Store your earthquake emergency kit somewhere accessible – a hall closet, under a bed, in a garage, or in a car trunk. Rotate food and water every 4-5 years based on the expiration dates. Test the radio, flashlight, and batteries every 6 months. Re-pack the bag after each use so you don’t forget what you took out. A kit that’s been sitting untouched for 7 years is a kit that won’t work when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack in my emergency go bag for an earthquake?
Your earthquake go bag should include water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days), non-perishable food (2,400 calories per person for 3 days), a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered NOAA weather radio, dust masks, a whistle, moist towelettes, garbage bags, a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, local maps, and personal items like medications and copies of IDs. Each kit on our list includes most of these items pre-packed.
What are 10 items in an emergency kit for an earthquake?
The 10 essential items are: 1) Water (1 gallon per person per day), 2) Non-perishable food (3-day supply), 3) Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, 4) Flashlight with extra batteries, 5) First aid kit, 6) Whistle to signal for help, 7) Dust mask to filter contaminated air, 8) Plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelter, 9) Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation, and 10) A wrench or pliers to shut off utilities. Each pre-made kit in our roundup covers all 10 essentials.
Are Costco earthquake kits worth it?
Costco earthquake kits are a decent starting point for water and food rations at a bulk price, but they typically lack the tool coverage, first aid depth, and backpack organization of dedicated emergency kits like the EVERLIT STORM II or Redfora. Multiple Reddit reviewers in r/AskLosAngeles noted they used Costco kits for the food and water components but supplemented with trauma-grade first aid supplies and a NOAA weather radio from a specialty kit.
How to prepare an emergency kit for an earthquake?
Start by choosing a pre-made 72-hour kit that matches your family size, then customize it in 5 steps: 1) Add 7 days of prescription medications in a waterproof pouch, 2) Include copies of IDs, insurance cards, and emergency contacts, 3) Pack comfort items like small toys for kids or a spare pair of glasses, 4) Add pet supplies if applicable (food, leash, vaccination records), and 5) Store the kit in an accessible location and rotate food/water every 4-5 years.
What should be in a 72 hour emergency kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit should contain: water (1 gallon per person per day, so 3 gallons per person), non-perishable food (2,400+ calories per person), a first aid kit with trauma supplies, a battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, a multi-tool or wrench, local maps, personal documents in waterproof storage, prescription medications, and cash in small bills. Every kit in our roundup meets or exceeds this baseline.
Final Verdict on the Best Earthquake Preparedness Kits
After two months of testing 22 kits, hiking with 8 of them, and simulating 3-day blackouts with each, my picks for the best emergency preparedness kits for earthquakes in 2026 come down to your priorities.
For most families, the EVERLIT STORM II is the best overall choice because it includes the only CAT tourniquet in our roundup, a military-grade MOLLE backpack, and 200 expert-curated pieces that cover almost every scenario. If budget is your main constraint, the Ready America 70280 delivers the Red Cross-recommended baseline at a price that makes buying one per household member realistic. For families who want organization and a built-in guidebook, the Emergency Zone Family Kit is the most family-friendly option we tested.
Whichever kit you choose, the most important step is buying one today. According to USGS, more than 45 states face earthquake risk, and the next major tremor on the San Andreas or Cascadia fault could happen tomorrow. Pick the kit that matches your family size, customize it with personal items, and store it somewhere you can grab in 30 seconds. That’s what separates a prepared household from one caught off guard.