An earthquake kit is really three kits, the Red Cross says. A small bed kit with sturdy shoes, a flashlight, your glasses, a dust mask and a whistle. A go-kit with at least 3 days of supplies you can carry. And a stay-at-home kit with at least 2 weeks of supplies. Add one bag for your important papers, so you can grab them on the way out.

The shaking stops. It's dark, the power is out and there may be glass on the floor. Ready.gov says earthquakes can bring down buildings, knock heavy things off walls and shelves, start fires and damage roads. The Earthquake Country Alliance says electricity and other systems can be cut for several days after a big one. Your kits are what you live on until they're back.

Kit 1: the bed kit

If a quake hits at night, the first danger is the floor. The Red Cross says to expect broken glass and put on sturdy shoes before you move. The Earthquake Country Alliance points out that shoes left by the bed can get tossed around or filled with glass, so keep these in a bag right beside the bed:

• Sturdy shoes and socks
• A flashlight or headlamp
• Your glasses or contacts
• A dust mask
• A whistle
• Work gloves

Then plug a Backup Light into the bedroom outlet. When the power goes out, it turns on by itself, so you aren't feeling around in the dark for the flashlight. It lifts out as a flashlight too, with up to 3 hours of light on a full charge. Keep the regular flashlight and spare batteries in the bag as well.

Kit 2: the go-kit (3 days)

This is the bag you grab if your home isn't safe to stay in. The Red Cross says to leave and take your go-kit if your home is damaged. Pack it light enough to carry (our go bag guide has more):

• Water and non-perishable food for 3 days
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A first aid kit
• A whistle
• Your prescription medicine, and a card listing your medications and doses
• Phone chargers and a backup battery
• Cash
• Copies of your ID and medical cards
• A change of clothes and sturdy shoes

Kit 3: the stay-at-home kit (2 weeks)

Even if your home is safe, you may go days without power, gas or water. The Red Cross says to be ready to live without all three. The Earthquake Country Alliance suggests keeping these supplies in a large watertight container:

• Water: at least 1 gallon per person, per day, for 2 weeks
• Food for 2 weeks, plus a manual can opener
• A 1-month supply of prescription medicine in a child-proof container
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher
• A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Garbage bags, wet wipes and plastic ties
• Pet food and extra water for pets

Keep your papers in one bag

Ready.gov says to keep copies of insurance policies, ID and bank records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container. The Red Cross says to keep personal, financial and medical records safe and easy to reach.

The Hero Fireproof Bag keeps passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, deeds, cash and jewelry together in one bright bag. Inside is a fire-resistant lining; outside, a water-resistant shell, with a silicone flap that seals over the zippers. It lies flat in a drawer or a safe, so it's easy to grab on the way out. Earthquakes can start fires, Ready.gov says, which is why the lining matters. Don't submerge the bag, and save digital copies of everything as well.

Secure your space and practice

• Strap down TVs, bookcases, shelves, mirrors, water heaters and refrigerators.
• Keep heavy and breakable things on low shelves.
• Learn how to turn off your gas, water and electricity, and keep a fire extinguisher where you can reach it.
• Practice Drop, Cover, then Hold On with everyone at home: drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you're in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

After the shaking stops

• Expect aftershocks. Drop, Cover and Hold On each time.
• Put on shoes before you walk anywhere.
• Use flashlights. The Red Cross warns that candles can start a fire.
• If you smell gas, don't use matches, lighters, appliances or light switches. Leave, call 911, then report it to your gas company.
• If your home is damaged, take your go-kit and get out.
• Text family to say you're safe, and save phone calls for emergencies.

Build the kits this weekend, and start with the bag that holds what you can't replace. Get the Hero Fireproof Bag, then see the rest of our survival essentials.