[Preparing for Earthquakes] 4 Essential Disaster Prevention Goods to Get Now & What to Do When an Earthquake Strikes 2026
On the night of June 16, 2026, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 5-lower occurred with its epicenter in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, and tremors were felt across a wide area of the Kanto region. Fortunately, no major damage has been reported, but many people must have felt once again that "a major earthquake could happen at any time." Now that the shaking has settled, it is the perfect time to review your preparations. We have summarized what to do first when an earthquake occurs and the minimum disaster prevention goods you should have on hand.
▼ What to do first when an earthquake occurs
・Prioritize personal safety: Protect your head under a desk or similar while the shaking continues. Do not rush outside in a panic.
・Extinguish fires and secure exits: Once the shaking stops, check for fire sources and open doors to secure an escape route.
・Gather information: Check seismic intensity, tsunami, and aftershock information via TV, radio, or official apps (be careful of misinformation on social media).
・Do not move unnecessarily: Do not use elevators. Move to a place with few falling objects in preparation for aftershocks.
▼ 4 essential disaster prevention goods to have
■ ① Start with this one: Iris Ohyama Disaster Prevention Backpack (33 items for 1 person)
A set for one person supervised by a disaster prevention specialist that contains all the essentials. It is packed with emergency food, water, portable toilets, a light, an air pillow, and more. For those who "don't know what to buy," just keeping this by the entrance provides a completely different level of peace of mind. It is easy to carry on your back and can be taken out immediately in an emergency.
Pros: Includes a complete set of necessary items, supervised by a disaster prevention specialist, just keep it by the entrance.
Cons: Need one for each person. Regularly check the expiration dates/batteries of the contents.
■ ② A lifeline during power outages: Anker Mobile Battery (PowerCore 10000)
Power outages are a scary part of earthquakes. Since smartphones are a lifeline for gathering information and confirming safety, a mobile battery to keep them charged is essential. The standard 10000mAh Anker model can charge a smartphone about twice and is thin enough for daily use. It is reassuring to keep one fully charged at all times, separate from your disaster backpack.
Pros: Charges a smartphone about twice, reliable Anker quality, also great for daily use.
Cons: Charge it once every six months (it self-discharges).
■ ③ The most important item often overlooked: Toiletman Portable Toilet (50 uses)
Not being able to flush the toilet due to water or power outages is one of the most difficult aspects of an earthquake. Although often overlooked, portable toilets are essential for protecting "life and dignity." Made in Japan with a 10-year shelf life, they come with coagulants and deodorizing bags. Prepare plenty based on the number of family members and the number of days.
Pros: Essential during water outages, 10-year shelf life, includes deodorizing bags.
Cons: Calculate the required number based on 5 uses per person per day (having more is safer).
■ ④ Water to sustain life: Iris Ohyama Preserved Water (2L x 6 bottles, 5-year shelf life)
Humans cannot survive for more than a few days without water. For drinking and cooking, stockpile at least a 3-day supply (preferably a week) based on 3 liters per person per day. The 5-year shelf life type requires less frequent replacement. Rolling stock (buying a little extra for daily use and replenishing as you consume) is also recommended.
Pros: 5-year long-term storage, essential stockpile, can be stored at room temperature.
Cons: It is heavy, so secure a storage space. Keep extra for the number of people.
▼ Earthquake countermeasures to take at home
・Furniture fixation: Prevent tipping with tension rods or L-shaped brackets. Do not place tall furniture in the bedroom.
・Bedroom safety: Keep slippers, a light, and a whistle by your bedside (to protect against scattered glass and being trapped).
・Family communication methods: Decide on the disaster message dial "171" and a meeting place in advance.
・Hazard map check: Check evacuation centers, flooding/landslide risks around your home now.
・Rolling stock: Keep a fresh stockpile at all times by "using and replenishing" water and food.
▼ Summary
Fortunately, tonight's earthquake did not lead to a major disaster, but it is too late to prepare "after the shaking starts." First, put ① a disaster backpack by the entrance, ② keep a mobile battery fully charged, and ③ have portable toilets and ④ preserved water for each person. Even just doing this will make a world of difference in your peace of mind during an emergency. While things are calm, let's prepare what we can.
▼ Recommended reading (Related articles on note)
・"5 Recommended Canned Foods for Disaster Prevention (Stockpile Food)"
・"Preparation and Response for Power Outages and Lightning"
・"Summer Power Saving and Heat Countermeasure Goods"
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