Behavior during an earthquake: Why ReadyKit emergency backpack?

Europe on shaky ground: seismic activity on the rise

The earth in Europe is not at rest: after a record year of seismic activity in Switzerland [1] and noticeable tremors in Austria [2] and Germany [3], the focus is once again shifting to emergency preparedness. Experts warn: In an emergency, only seconds remain - time that should not be wasted packing.

Earthquakes are often seen as a threat in distant countries such as Japan or Chile. However, the events of 2024 and 2025 have shown that Central Europe is no quiet zone either. In 2024 alone, the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) recorded around 2,300 quakes[1], more than ever before since measurements began. Even if many of them were only perceived by fine instruments, events such as the magnitude 4.4 quake in Sihltal (June 2024) [4] or the tremors near L?rrach/Black Forest (June 2024) [3] are causing uncertainty in the DACH region.

The situation was even more dramatic in Italy in June 2025: a magnitude 4.6 quake shook the Phlegraean Fields near Naples [5] - the strongest in 40 years. This geological unrest reminds us that we cannot control the forces of nature, but we can ensure our survival through knowledge and equipment.

The reality: earthquakes don't wait

An earthquake almost never announces itself. It often begins with a rumble, followed by violent jolts. At this moment, reflexes and preparation make the difference between life and death.

The right behavior DURING the earthquake

Based on international safety standards [6, 7, 8] and expert advice, the following rules apply:

In the building:

* Keep calm - panic is the worst enemy
* Do not run immediately to the stairwell or elevator (they can collapse or get stuck)
* Take shelter under a sturdy table ("duck - protect - hold on")
* Keep away from windows, mirrors and heavy furniture that could tip over

Outdoors:

* Stay outside
* Find an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines and bridges

In the vehicle:

* Stop in a safe place (not under bridges or power lines)
* Stay in the car until the vibrations stop

The golden seconds: Why preparation is everything

When the earth shakes, you don't have time to find a toothbrush or sort through documents. Evacuation often has to happen in a fraction of a second. This is precisely the critical mistake many households make: The lack of a handy emergency kit.

Security experts strongly recommend having a so-called "bug-out bag" (emergency backpack) packed and ready to hand near the hallway. A prime example of such an all-in-one solution is the ReadyKit emergency backpack. It has been specifically designed to ensure survival in the critical first 72 hours after a disaster, without you having to worry about the packing list in the chaos.

What belongs in an emergency backpack?

A look at the modular structure of the ReadyKit emergency backpack shows what is important in the event of an earthquake:

1. module "Escape" (escape & rescue)

In an earthquake, doors can jam or power grids can fail.

Important tools:

* An emergency hammer with glass breaker helps to free yourself from blocked vehicles or windows

Visibility & protection:

* A head torch is essential as power cuts are the norm
* Leather work gloves protect against shards and debris when clearing obstacles
* A whistle is used to alert rescue workers if you are buried - shouting costs too much energy and oxygen

2nd module "First aid" (medical first aid)

Injuries caused by falling objects or broken glass are common. A simple first aid kit is often not enough.

In addition to wound dressings and disinfectant spray, ReadyKit also contains an emergency resuscitation aid. This enables you to provide first aid to wounded or buried people.

Important: FFP2 masks (included in the ReadyKit) are not only virus protection in the event of an earthquake, but are also essential for survival against the massive dust formation caused by building damage.

3rd "Tools & Communication" module

Information is a rare commodity after an earthquake. Cell phone networks are often overloaded or down.

* A crank radio with solar function enables the reception of official warning messages and also serves as a power bank and light source
* A simple cell phone with a long battery life (as included in the ReadyKit) is more reliable than modern smartphones that need to be charged every day

4th module "Water & Food"

Pipes break, water becomes contaminated.

* A mobile water filter (pore size 0.1 micron) makes water from puddles or streams drinkable by removing 99.9% of bacteria
* Energy bars with a long shelf life (10+ years) provide the necessary calories for 72 hours without having to be cooked

Expert tip: Don't try to pack your emergency kit until the worst comes to the worst. Stress levels make rational action impossible. A pre-packed system like the ReadyKit is life insurance that you can physically grab.

After the earthquake: The danger is not over

Even when the main quake has passed, seismologists urge caution:

Aftershocks: Expect further shocks in the hours and days afterwards. These can cause already damaged buildings to collapse.

Check the infrastructure: Turn off supply lines (gas, water, electricity) until they have been checked. If there is a smell of gas, ventilate the rooms immediately. Do not use lighters.

Emergency call: In the event of injury, fire or water damage, call the fire department (112).

Hygiene: If the drainage system breaks, hygiene becomes a problem. The ReadyKit contains foldable emergency toilets and disinfectant to prevent the risk of epidemics.

Conclusion: Act instead of react

The seismic data from 2024 and 2025 in Europe clearly shows that we are not living on safe ground. An earthquake cannot be prevented, but the personal consequences can be drastically mitigated.

Those who are prepared, mentally by knowing the right behavior and materially by having a professionally packed emergency backpack, significantly increase their chances of survival and those of their family.

Safety is not a matter of chance, but of choice.

The information in this article is based on current data from seismological services and specialist literature on crisis preparedness.

[1] SED | Earthquakes in the year 2024 - ETH Zurich
[2] Earthquake in July 2025 (Austria) - GeoSphere Austria
[3] Moderate earthquake near Freiburg/L?rrach (2024)
[4] Earthquake review Switzerland 2024 - RAOnline
[5] Most violent earthquake for 40 years in Naples (June 2025)
[6] BBK: "Earthquake" - Behavior during/after the earthquake
[7] oesterreich.gv.at (BMI): "Behavior during an earthquake"
[8] Naturgefahrenportal Schweiz: "Behavior during an earthquake"

Further references:

* Book: Savin, Sergej. (2018). "Climate catastrophe: What to do?" Minsk, "Colorgrad" 2018
ISBN 978-985-596-115-5
* EMSC (earthquake event page Slovenia)
* USGS (earthquake event page Greece)
* EMSC (Turkey-Syria border region event site)

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