How to Prepare an Emergency Kit, Disaster Bag, or Earthquake Kit

There's a joke a lot of us have heard: how do you spot the Taiwanese person in a room full of people from different countries? They're the one who barely flinches when an earthquake hits.

Sitting squarely on a major fault zone, Taiwan seems to get hit by at least one or two sizeable earthquakes every year. The most unforgettable, of course, is the 921 earthquake of 1999. But people here are also famously forgetful — once a disaster passes, how many of us actually remember that we're supposed to prepare in advance, before the next one arrives?

Since the March 2021 earthquake, researchers have been warning that Taiwan's "once-in-a-century" quake is overdue. In 2022, Hualien was struck again, with several buildings collapsing in the aftermath. On top of that, military tensions across the strait have been steadily escalating.

Natural disasters and the geopolitical climate are both outside our control. What we can do, here and now, is prepare an emergency kit for ourselves and our families. Here's our recommended checklist:

1. The bag itself

Ideally something sturdy, comfortable to carry, and waterproof if possible. Make sure it's roomy enough to fit everything you plan to pack.

2. Food and water

For the maths behind how much food and water to pack — and how to plan it properly — see our companion article: A Guide to Emergency Food Preparation.

3. Medication and medical supplies

• First-aid supplies: topical medications, gauze, breathable bandages, and other basic first-aid items.
• Personal medication: any regular prescription medication you or your family members rely on.

4. Personal care and hygiene items

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, towel, and other basic toiletries.
• Wet wipes and toilet paper.

5. Clothing and warm layers

Enough clothing to handle a range of weather conditions:

• A lightweight warm jacket, a raincoat, a hat and gloves, underwear, and socks.

6. Other essentials

• Multi-tool: small knife, can opener, pliers, and so on.
• Medical masks and gloves: basic protection against the spread of germs.
• Heavy-duty gloves: a thicker, protective pair that lets you move debris or rubble safely.

Staying connected and lit up:

• Flashlight and spare batteries — for lighting.
• Chargers and a power bank — to keep your phone, radio, and other devices running.

7. Important documents and contact details

Make copies — or handwritten backups — of your key documents:

• Passport, national ID, driver's licence, NHI (National Health Insurance) card, family members' contact information, and so on.