Look, I’ve dreamed more times than I can count that my town was crumbling to the ground—and that’s what pushed me to take earthquake preparedness seriously.
I remember when I was about 15, already old enough to understand what was going on, and there was a pretty strong tremor where I live. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it got me thinking: this is going to happen again, and I don’t want to be caught off guard like most people.
So today, I want to share 10 things I’m getting ready to have in place for when the ground shakes. We may not know when it’s coming, but we can definitely make sure we’re not left empty-handed. Let’s talk about it—sound good?
1. Accept that no one’s truly safe
First things first: the ground beneath us—yeah, the one that feels rock solid—can move at any moment.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an earthquake-prone zone or somewhere “quiet” like the middle of Canada or Siberia. Seismologists keep saying it—no place is 100% earthquake-proof. I used to think my city was safe… until that first tremor snapped me out of it. So wherever you live, get ready—because nature doesn’t give a heads-up.
2. Grab-and-Go bag (aka Bug-Out Bag)
If there’s a big one, you won’t have time to gather your things. That’s why I always keep a grab-and-go bag ready.
What’s in it: water (at least one liter), quick food like nuts or small canned goods, a flashlight, lighter, basic clothes, and copies of my ID in a waterproof pouch. The idea is simple: grab it and get out.
Do you have yours ready? If not, start today. Like I always say—panic is a terrible planner.
3. Fire extinguishers at home
Earthquakes can lead to fires—and don’t count on firefighters right away. They might be overwhelmed or stuck under rubble themselves. I keep a Class ABC extinguisher at home (covers wood, plastics, gasoline… the usual house fire stuff). But just hanging it on a wall isn’t enough—everyone in my house knows how to use it.
If you don’t have one, go get one. And if you’re cool with your local fire station, maybe ask them to show you the ropes. If not, YouTube’s got you covered—here’s a couple of helpful video:
Pro Tip: Know Your Extinguisher
Not all extinguishers work on the same stuff. ABC ones are great all-around for home, but if you don’t know how to pull the pin and aim properly, it won’t help much. Take a practice run with the family—it’s not just a thing you hang on the wall.
4. A real first-aid Kit, not just aspirin
If people get hurt, ambulances and hospitals could be overwhelmed or even destroyed. So I’m building a proper first-aid kit: bandages, gauze, antiseptic, painkillers, and a couple extra doses of any medications we take regularly.
I also took a first-aid class through the Red Cross, and I totally recommend it. Knowing what to do when there’s no doctor nearby can be the difference between calling for help and actually being the help.
5. Radio, batteries & a backup plan
When prepping for earthquakes, communication and staying informed is key.
I’ve got a radio that charges via solar panel, hand crank, and batteries. It also has a flashlight and a super loud emergency alarm. It cost me around $40 and it’s solid. Here it is if you want to check it out:
Plan A is that nothing major happens—maybe just a few days without power. But Plan B? That’s if your home is wrecked and you’re trapped waiting for rescue.
So radios, extra batteries for flashlights, even basic walkie-talkies, they all help. That, plus your bug-out bag, first-aid kit, and you’re already way ahead.
6. Food & water for at least 2–3 Days
You don’t need to build a bunker, but a short-term stash is a must. I keep water (one liter per person, per day) and food that doesn’t need refrigeration: cans, rice, nuts. Two or three days gives you a buffer while things settle down.
If the disaster’s massive, we’ll adapt, but this is your starting point.
7. Know how to shut off your utilities
This one’s huge. I learned it the hard way. Knowing how to shut off gas, water, and electricity can stop a bad situation from turning deadly.
Picture this: gas leaking and wires sparking in the rubble. That’s a bomb. I made sure everyone in my house knows how to do it, because if I’m hurt, someone else needs to step in..
Make It Easy:
Label your shut-off valves with paint or tags. Do a little drill with your family: “Where’s the gas shut-off?” Turn it into a game, something they’ll remember when it counts.
8. Meeting point: Don’t lose track of your people
If your house collapses or you have to evacuate, where does your family meet up? We’ve got a plan: meet in the backyard, or if we’re out, at the neighborhood plaza.
Talk it over with your crew and pick a spot. In chaos, just knowing where to find each other brings huge peace of mind.
9. Check your home: Eliminate hazards
Look around your place: tall shelves, heavy stuff on top, water tanks on the roof—anything that could fall and hurt someone. My house has a tank above a room, and I’m already thinking how to reinforce it or move the beds. Do the same: anchor what can tip over and lighten anything up high. Earthquakes turn everyday objects into flying weapons.
10. Know your city’s plan (or make one yourself)
Find out if your city has an earthquake response plan. If not, talk to your neighbors and build something together. I asked at City Hall and was surprised—they do have a plan, but it’s limited.
At the end of the day, it’s on you.
And if your town doesn’t have one because it’s “low risk,” all the more reason to make your own. Start with these 10 essentials. It’s how I keep fate out of the driver’s seat.
Before, during, and after: Earthquake prep Is ongoing
These 10 steps are for before anything happens—because once the shaking starts, it’s too late to run out for batteries or bandages.
During the quake: find a safe spot (under a sturdy table, away from windows).
After: use your gear and your plan. If it’s a local event, emergency services will get there fast. But if it’s something massive—like biblical-level, mountains-crumbling kind of stuff—at least you’ll have a foundation to start from.
So—what do you say? Ready to start with your bug-out bag and extinguisher? Luck = Preparation + Opportunity I’m not waiting around to be caught off guard.
Don’t you either. Let’s keep getting ready, and I’ll catch you in the next one!
