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What is Earthquake Store?
Earthquake Store is an online retailer of disaster-preparedness gear, best known for earthquake kits and survival supplies. Its catalog is built around ready-made 72-hour kits, emergency food and water, first-aid and lighting equipment, and hardware such as automatic seismic gas shut-off valves. It also publishes guidance for building a personal emergency handbook covering earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, power outages and other hazards.
Its audience is broad: households, businesses, community groups and government buyers who want supplies assembled before an event rather than during it. The core selling point is convenience — the site argues against spending critical pre-disaster time assembling a kit yourself.
What you'll find there
- Kits and consumables: 72-hour survival kits, emergency food and water, first-aid supplies.
- Equipment: flashlights and batteries, radios, tents and sleeping bags.
- Earthquake-specific hardware: automatic seismic gas shut-off valves and a quake alarm.
- Guides: an emergency-handbook resource and preparedness tips tied to FEMA's recommendation of roughly two weeks of supplies.
H3: Who it suits, and the trade-off Pre-assembled kits cost more than buying components separately, but they remove guesswork and are easier to store and rotate. If you already know your household's needs, buying individual items may be cheaper. If you are starting from zero, a kit plus a few upgrades is the faster path.
Practical next step: before ordering, decide on a target duration (72 hours versus two weeks), count people and pets, then check whether a kit covers water, food, warmth, light and a gas shut-off valve for your home's gas line size. For official baseline guidance, see FEMA.
How do I choose the right survival kit for my family's needs?
Start with the hazard you actually face and the people you're packing for, not with the biggest kit on the shelf. A household in a tornado zone, a household in a wildfire corridor, and a household in a tsunami inundation zone need different contents and different storage plans, even though the basic categories overlap.
The page evidence from Earthquake Store frames this around the first 24–72 hours after a catastrophic event, and cites FEMA guidance for a two-week supply of food, water and other gear. Those are two different jobs: a 72-hour kit is a grab-and-go bag for evacuation, while a two-week supply is a stay-put stockpile for sheltering at home. Many families need both, sized differently.
Match the kit to the scenario
| Scenario | What matters most | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuate in minutes (fire, tsunami, gas leak) | One bag per person, light enough to carry, documents and medications | Less food and water; you resupply elsewhere |
| Shelter at home for days (earthquake, blizzard, power outage) | Two weeks of water and no-cook food, heat, light, sanitation | Bulk and storage space; needs rotation |
| Car or workplace kit | Compact, temperature-tolerant, comfortable shoes | Smaller quantities, fewer people covered |
Size it to your household
Count every person, then adjust for anyone who changes the math: infants, older adults, people with mobility limitations, and pets. Water is usually the binding constraint — plan on roughly a gallon per person per day as a working rule, plus pet and sanitation needs. Medications, spare glasses, and copies of prescriptions are the items people most often forget, and they're hard to improvise afterward.
Decide between ready-made and build-your-own
The page makes the case for ready-made kits so you don't spend precious time assembling one. That's a real advantage if you've been meaning to prepare for years and haven't. Building your own lets you match dietary needs, avoid duplicates of gear you already own, and control quality. A practical compromise: buy a ready-made kit as the baseline, then add your medications, documents, pet supplies, and any tools you already trust.
Check the extras that fit your risk
The catalog also lists single-purpose hardware rather than kits: seismic gas shut-off valves, a portable firefighting water pump, and a sold-out Quake Alarm. These address specific risks — gas leaks after shaking, small fires before they spread — and they only help if installed and maintained before an event. Treat them as complements to a kit, not substitutes for one.
Next step
Write down your two scenarios — "leave in ten minutes" and "stay home for two weeks" — then list what each requires for your household size. Compare that list against any kit you're considering, item by item, rather than judging by bag size or the number of pieces. If a kit covers most of the grab-and-go list, buy it and customize; if it misses water, medications or pet needs, those gaps matter more than the extras.
What are the key differences between earthquake shutoff valves and where should they be installed?
Earthquake shutoff valves all do the same basic job — automatically cut off gas when shaking is strong enough — but they differ in how they sense motion, how they reset, and what pipe size and pressure they fit. Installation location matters as much as the model, because the valve must sit on the gas line in the right orientation and position to work.
Key differences between valve types
- Seismic vs. excess-flow sensing. A seismic valve trips on ground motion. An excess-flow valve trips when gas flow suddenly spikes (a broken line downstream). Some valves combine both; a seismic-only valve will not stop a leak caused by something other than shaking.
- Trip mechanism. Ball-and-magnet or pendulum designs reset manually with a lever or knob. Some designs require you to relight pilots and check every appliance afterward; others are designed for simpler reset.
- Reset and re-arm. Almost all residential seismic valves are manual-reset by design, so gas does not come back on automatically while a leak may still exist. Know where the reset tool or lever is before you need it.
- Size and pressure rating. Residential valves are typically sized for common household gas line diameters (for example 3/4-inch and 1-1/2-inch in the Earthquake Store catalog) and carry a pressure rating. Matching the valve to your actual line size and supply pressure is a plumbing decision, not a guess.
- Horizontal vs. vertical installation. Many seismic valves are built for a specific orientation — the Earthquake Store lists a "3/4-inch Horizontal" model, for instance. A valve installed in the wrong orientation may not trip at all.
- Certification and code acceptance. Local codes and utility requirements vary; some jurisdictions require a listed seismic valve on new or remodeled gas service, others do not.
Where they should be installed
- On the gas supply line, downstream of the meter and before it enters the building. This protects the interior piping and appliances from a rupture between the meter and the structure.
- In the orientation the manufacturer specifies — horizontal models go on horizontal runs, vertical models on vertical runs, with the arrow or flow direction matching gas flow.
- Where it is accessible for reset. Do not bury it behind drywall or in a sealed crawlspace. You or a plumber need to reach it after an event.
- Away from vibration sources that could cause nuisance tripping, and protected from standing water and physical damage.
- Sometimes a second valve indoors, on the main line inside the structure, if the utility or code requires protection on both sides of the building entry.
Practical example
A homeowner in a seismically active area with a 3/4-inch horizontal gas line into a crawlspace would look for a horizontal-mount seismic valve sized to that line, installed just after the meter, with the reset lever reachable from the access hatch. They would also keep a wrench and flashlight nearby and know how to relight pilot lights, since a tripped valve means no gas until it is manually reset. For a larger property with 1-1/2-inch service, the larger, higher-pressure-rated valve is the match.
Decision criteria
- Confirm your line size, supply pressure, and pipe orientation first; these narrow the field more than brand.
- Decide whether you need seismic-only or combined seismic and excess-flow protection.
- Check local code and your gas utility's requirements before buying; some rebate or require specific listings.
- Verify reset procedure and accessibility — a valve you cannot reach or reset is not much use.
- For broader kit planning alongside a valve, Earthquake Store sells 72-hour kits and emergency supplies, and FEMA's guidance (referenced on that page) recommends two weeks of food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a radio.
Next step: photograph your gas meter and line, note the pipe diameter and whether the run is horizontal or vertical, then confirm with a licensed plumber or your utility which valve type and location your code accepts.
How do I create a personalized emergency handbook using Earthquake Store's guidance?
Earthquake Store's guidance is a starting point, not a finished document. The site frames the handbook as a companion to its ready-made kits: it says it helps you build an emergency handbook with life-saving tips for earthquakes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, power outages, snow storms, fires, tornadoes, floods and terrorist attacks, and that the guide covers protecting family, pets, property and home. The actual writing is yours — you pull the hazard-specific tips that apply to where you live and fill in the personal details no store can supply.
A practical way to build it
- Pick your real hazards first. If you live in a seismic zone, lead with earthquake sections; if you face winter storms, lead with those. Skip the scenarios you will never face so the handbook stays short enough to use under stress.
- Write a one-page household profile: names, ages, medical needs, medications, allergies, pets, and anyone who needs help evacuating.
- Add contact and meeting-place pages: an out-of-area contact, two meeting points, school and workplace numbers, and utility company numbers.
- Map your shutoffs. Mark where the gas, water and electrical shutoffs are and how to operate them. If you install an automatic seismic gas valve, note that it handles the gas side for you — the page evidence lists models such as the PSP 300 3/4" horizontal valve and the Little Firefighter AGV150HP, plus a Quake Alarm that was sold out.
- Stock and list. Record what is in your kit, where it lives, and when food, water and batteries expire. The site sells 72-hour kits and cites FEMA's recommendation of two weeks of food, water, first aid, flashlights with extra batteries and a radio — treat that as your checklist and note the gap between 72 hours and two weeks.
- Add a skills page: CPR, first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and who in the household has training.
- Set a review date. Revisit every six months, and after any close call.
What to keep in it
- Household profile and medical notes
- Contacts, meeting points, out-of-area check-in
- Shutoff and utility instructions
- Kit inventory with expiry dates
- Hazard-specific actions (drop, cover, hold on; shelter vs. evacuate)
- Pet plan, including carriers and food
- Copies of insurance and ID documents
Format matters more than completeness
Keep it in a binder and a phone photo set, and give a copy to your out-of-area contact. A handbook you can find in the dark beats a thorough one in a drawer. For broader planning frameworks, Ready.gov and FEMA publish hazard checklists you can fold into the same binder.
Your next step: open a document, paste in the site's hazard list, and delete every line that does not apply to your address. What remains is your handbook's table of contents.
What supplies does FEMA recommend for a two-week disaster preparedness kit?
FEMA's two-week guidance centers on sustaining each person without outside help for 14 days: water, shelf-stable food, and the basic tools to stay warm, informed and medically safe. The Earthquake Store echoes this on its site, noting that the first 24–72 hours are the most critical and that FEMA advises two weeks of food and survival gear.
Core categories FEMA recommends
- Water: roughly one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation, plus a few days extra for pets.
- Food: nonperishable items that need no refrigeration, cooking or added water where possible.
- First aid: a stocked kit plus any prescription medications and spare eyeglasses.
- Light and power: flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery or hand-crank radio for alerts.
- Shelter and warmth: tents, sleeping bags, blankets and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Sanitation and tools: moist towelettes, garbage bags, a wrench or pliers to shut off utilities, and a manual can opener.
- Documents and cash: copies of IDs, insurance and bank records in a waterproof container, plus small bills.
How to decide what to buy versus assemble Pre-made kits save time but rarely fit every household. Use this rule of thumb:
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Little spare time, want a baseline fast | A ready-made 72-hour or multi-day kit, then add two weeks of food and water |
| Large family, pets, or medical needs | Assemble your own so quantities and medications match |
| Living in a known quake or flood zone | Add region-specific gear, such as a gas shutoff valve |
The Earthquake Store sells ready-made 72-hour survival kits and gear such as seismic gas shutoff valves and firefighting pumps, which suits buyers who want a starting point rather than building from scratch. For broader household planning, FEMA's own guidance at Ready.gov is the reference to follow.
A practical next step: count your household members and pets, multiply water and food by 14 days, then check what you already own before buying a kit.
How can I protect my home and pets during a disaster using Earthquake Store's products?
Earthquake Store is oriented around the first 24–72 hours after a disaster, plus longer-term supply planning. It sells ready-made survival and earthquake kits, emergency food and water, and gear for households, businesses, and communities. For home and pet protection, the most relevant product categories are gas shutoff valves, early-warning alarms, firefighting equipment, and pre-assembled kits you can customize with pet supplies.
Protect the home first
- Automatic seismic gas shutoff valves: These are the clearest home-protection items in the catalog. The page lists an Automatic Seismic Earthquake Gas Valve (PSP 300, 3/4-inch horizontal) and a Little Firefighter AGV150HP 60 psi 1-1/2-inch valve. They are designed to cut off gas automatically when shaking is detected, reducing fire risk after an earthquake. Have a licensed plumber confirm the correct size and orientation for your gas line before buying.
- Quake Alarm: An early-warning device that can give you seconds to move away from windows or falling objects. The page shows it as sold out, so you may need to check back or look for a comparable alarm elsewhere.
- Portable Home Firefighting Water Pump Kit: Listed at $1,195.00. This is a larger investment for households in fire-prone areas or with limited fire-department access. It is not a substitute for evacuation; treat it as a way to knock down small fires while you get out.
- Kits and supplies: The store's 72-hour survival kits and emergency food and water cover the basics for people. For a fuller plan, the page cites FEMA's recommendation of a two-week supply of food and water, plus a first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, and a radio.
Protect pets
The page evidence does not list dedicated pet products, so plan to adapt a human kit for animals. Keep a separate pet go-bag with:
- Several days of food and water in sealed containers, plus bowls
- Medications, medical records, and a recent photo of you with each pet
- Leashes, carriers, or harnesses, and litter or waste bags
- A copy of vaccination records and microchip information
Store it next to your human kit so you can grab both at once. If you evacuate to a shelter, confirm in advance whether it accepts animals; many do not, so identify pet-friendly hotels or a trusted out-of-area contact.
A practical next step
Start with the highest-consequence risk in your area. In earthquake country, that usually means a seismic gas shutoff valve and securing heavy furniture, then a kit. In wildfire country, the firefighting pump and a clear defensible space plan come first. Compare the valve options on Earthquake Store against your pipe size, then have a plumber install it. After that, build or buy a 72-hour kit and add a pet bag, and review both every six months for expired food, water, and batteries.
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