The Ultimate Earthquake Kit According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

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We’re planning for an earthquake; a scenario that dictates that we leave the house and live in the back yard for a week. We like the lists that NOAA, The Red Cross, and FEMA have on their websites, but we like to think about this list in terms of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in order to build the most amazing earthquake list ever. This is the list for the home use kit—the one that requires a big bin in the back yard, or maybe two. We go from the basics to bougie, this way you can build your kit over time to be ready now and later to reach the ultimate level of comfortable emergency preparedness.

1. Physiological Needs: Food, Water, Warmth, Rest 

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  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (2-week supply) Honestly, you can’t have too much water, potable and non-potable.

  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (2-week supply), can opener + plates and utensils

  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl, medications)

  • Clothing

  • Tent

  • Sleeping bags (bonus points for an air mattress)

  • First aid kit + N95 or surgical masks, sunscreen

  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)


2. Security & Safety Needs

  • Flashlight/Lantern

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible, or the NOAA app)

  • Extra batteries

  • Tool set (hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, skill-knife, gloves)

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, bucket and plastic bags, tampons, baby wipes, etc.) 

  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, spray bottle, rags/paper towels, vinegar)

  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

  • Cell phone solar charger and cables (you’re obviously going to grab your phone) (see sample product)

  • Family and emergency contact information

  • Cash

  • Extra set of car keys and house keys


3. Belongingness & Love: Healthy relationships…This is the level at which we need to start some serious activity levels, especially if we have kids in the house. 

  • Hammock

  • Books to read to each other.

  • Neighborhood roster for reaching out to connect with/help neighbors

  • Candles, matches/lighter

  • Fire pit & wood

  • Star Charts

  • Yoga mats for exercise and stretching

  • Coffee maker (See an example here.)

  • Games of inclusion. We have a few favorites beyond the usual playing cards: Codenames. Exploding Kittens. Catan.

  • Solar camp shower


4. Esteem Needs: Prestige, feeling of accomplishment…This is where we need to get something productive done, even if we are still stuck in the tent.

  • Games of competition. A few favorites beyond Dominoes: Croquet. Bocce/Boules. Archery. 

  • Journals, coloring books, paper and pen for writing your novel…

  • Up the food game with a portable stove. (Check out this product.)


5. Self-Actualization: Achieving one’s full potential, including creative activities…This is where camping in the backyard gets seriously bougie.

  • Power Supply - with power, comes many, many options. (Product link.)

  • Ice maker (Yes, really.)

  • Cooler

  • Adult beverage of choice (we like scotch, but if you have ice, anything is game…)

  • Twinkle lights/ Christmas lights


Many thanks to the input of an unnamed Air Force Emergency Preparedness Officer for the advice and all the laughs had in building this list! She likes setting up her tent and testing her supplies once a year just to make sure everything is in operating order and up to her stringent standards. Have fun!

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