Preparing for an earthquake
What matters most in an earthquake, what official guidance in New Zealand says, and long-life food that suits it.
In an earthquake, the things that matter most are first aid kit, torch, meeting point, utility shut-offs. New Zealand's advice is Drop, Cover and Hold until the shaking stops.1
What matters most
- First aid kit Essential
A stocked first aid kit that everyone knows where to find. - Torch Essential
A torch for each part of the home you'd need to move around in the dark. - Meeting point
Somewhere your household agrees to meet if you're separated. - Utility shut-offs
Where to turn off water, gas and electricity. - Drinking water Essential
3 litres per person per day for drinking is the commonly recommended amount. - Food for everyone Essential
Non-perishable food that will last your household for your chosen number of days. - Emergency contacts Essential
Important numbers saved where you can reach them without the internet. - Important documents
Know where your important documents are kept. SupKit never asks you to upload them.
What official guidance in New Zealand says
- New Zealand's advice is Drop, Cover and Hold until the shaking stops.1
Stay safe
Water and food for a few days
For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:
| 3 days | |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | 18 L |
| Food energy | 56,484 kJ (13,500 Cal) |
Long-life food that suits an earthquake
Each of these keeps without a fridge and doesn't need the fridge once opened:
- Tinned chilli
- Tinned soup
- Baked beans
- Microwave rice pouch
- Tinned tuna
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Cereal bars
- Tinned fruit
Allergies, dietary needs and children
Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.
| Food | Typical allergens | Typically suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Tinned chilli | varies by recipe | check the label |
| Tinned soup | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Baked beans | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Microwave rice pouch 250g | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Tinned tuna | fish | check the label |
| Crackers | cereals containing gluten | vegan |
| Peanut butter | peanuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Dried fruit and nuts | tree nuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Cereal bars | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Tinned fruit | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan, gluten free |
Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.
- Under the joint Australia New Zealand code, labels must declare wheat, fish, shellfish, egg, milk, lupin, peanut, soy, sesame, named tree nuts, gluten cereals and added sulphites.2
- Allergens must be in bold in the ingredient list, plus a separate bold summary starting with 'Contains' near the ingredients.2
- 'May contain' statements are voluntary and not regulated by the Food Standards Code.2
Young children
- Avoid giving honey to babies under 12 months because it can cause infant botulism.3
Questions
What do I need for an earthquake?
First aid kit, Torch, Meeting point, Utility shut-offs, Drinking water, Food for everyone, Emergency contacts, Important documents.
How do I stay safe in an earthquake?
Near the coast, if a quake lasts over a minute or makes it hard to stand, go to high ground once shaking stops.
Sources
- Earthquakes, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Allergen labelling for consumers, Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Botulism, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Checked 28 October 2026.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
