Prepare a Household Kit and Plan for an Earthquake

Prepare for interruption

Keep a practical emergency kit with essentials such as drinking water, a torch, spare batteries, basic first-aid supplies, needed medicines and copies of important information. Adapt it for household needs, including infants, older adults and pets. Store it where it can be reached without crossing an unsafe area.

Know the safer action indoors

During shaking, follow local official guidance and protect yourself from falling objects; do not rush toward stairs or lifts while movement continues. After shaking stops, check for injuries and hazards, and leave a damaged structure carefully if it is safe to do so. Expect that aftershocks may occur and avoid unstable buildings.

Agree on contacts and information

Choose an out-of-area contact, a meeting point and a way to reconnect if phone networks are disrupted. Know how to turn off utilities only if you can do so safely and have been shown how. NDMA's earthquake guidance gives preparedness actions; follow local administration and emergency-service instructions during an actual event.

Sources and further reading

• NDMA Earthquake Do's and Don'ts