The earthquakes that hit Kumamoto last month likely have many people in Japan thinking about disaster preparedness. The country is in one of the most seismically active regions of the world, and no stranger to other disasters either.

Stockpiling emergency supplies can seem like a daunting task, especially if you live in a small apartment or house. It's easy to think you can rely on the authorities when disaster strikes. However, many survivors of natural disasters have said help is not always readily available, and the long lines and confusion at supply centers and stores immediately following a crisis can be stressful.

Thankfully, it's not necessary to fill up a storage room full of supplies, just enough to carry you and your family through the critical period; the Tokyo Metropolitan government recommends a minimum of three-day's worth of supplies. Even if you don't have a closet to spare, try to at least keep some bottled water nearby. Also keep nourishing food that can be eaten with minimal preparation, such as the meal-replacement foods described here. You won't be in any position — physically or mentally — to do any cooking after a disaster.