Earthquake Preparedness

Understanding Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur when stress built up along geological faults suddenly releases, sending seismic waves through the earth. Unlike hurricanes or winter storms, earthquakes provide no advance warning—the shaking begins without notice and decisions made in the first seconds determine outcomes.

The United States experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, though most are too small to feel. Significant earthquakes (magnitude 5.0+) occur several times per year, and potentially catastrophic earthquakes (magnitude 7.0+) strike somewhere in the country every few years on average.

Earthquake Magnitude Scale

Each whole number increase represents roughly 31 times more energy released. A magnitude 7.0 earthquake releases about 31 times more energy than a 6.0, and roughly 1,000 times more than a 5.0.

Before an Earthquake: Preparation

Secure Your Home

The leading causes of earthquake injuries are falling objects and structural failure. Securing your home before an earthquake prevents many of these hazards:

• Anchor heavy furniture: Bookcases, entertainment centers, and tall dressers should be secured to wall studs with L-brackets or furniture straps. This prevents them from toppling during shaking.
• Secure your water heater: Water heaters can fall, causing gas leaks and fires. Strap them to wall studs with earthquake straps (code requirement in many seismic zones).
• Install cabinet latches: Child-proof latches on cabinet doors prevent dishes, glasses, and supplies from spilling during shaking.
• Move heavy items low: Store heavy objects on lower shelves. Items stored high become dangerous projectiles during earthquakes.
• Secure hanging objects: Mirrors, pictures, and light fixtures should be mounted with closed hooks or earthquake-resistant hangers.
• Identify safe spots: In each room, identify sturdy desks or tables that provide cover during shaking.

Know Your Shutoffs

After a major earthquake, you may need to shut off utilities to prevent fires and flooding:

• Gas shutoff: Know where your gas meter is and how to turn it off with a wrench. Practice the motion (but don't actually turn it off—only the gas company should restore service).
• Water shutoff: Know your main water valve location. Shutting off water prevents damage from broken pipes.
• Electrical shutoff: Know your main breaker location. Turn off electricity if you see sparking, smell burning, or if the building has structural damage.

Essential Earthquake Supplies

Earthquakes can disrupt utilities, roads, and supply chains for days or weeks. Stock these essentials to be self-sufficient:

During an Earthquake: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON

The moment shaking begins, you have seconds to react. The DROP-COVER-HOLD ON technique, endorsed by FEMA, the Red Cross, and earthquake scientists worldwide, provides the best protection:

Common Myths Debunked

• "Stand in a doorway": This is outdated advice from unreinforced adobe homes where doorframes were the strongest part. In modern homes, doorways offer no special protection, and you may be hit by a swinging door. Get under a sturdy table instead.
• "Run outside": Most earthquake injuries occur when people try to move. Falling debris near building exteriors (bricks, glass, signs) causes many injuries. Stay inside until shaking stops.
• "Triangle of life": This theory suggests lying next to large objects. It is not supported by earthquake engineers or emergency management agencies. DROP-COVER-HOLD ON remains the evidence-based recommendation.

Special Situations

If in bed: Stay in bed. Cover your head and neck with a pillow. Most bedrooms have fewer hazards than other rooms.

If outdoors: Move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, and overpasses. Drop to the ground and stay there until shaking stops.

If driving: Pull over to a clear location away from overpasses, bridges, buildings, and utility wires. Stay inside the vehicle—it provides good protection from falling debris.

If near the coast: Move to high ground immediately after shaking stops. Tsunamis can follow coastal earthquakes with little warning.

After an Earthquake: Immediate Response

First 10 Minutes

1. Expect aftershocks: Additional shaking is normal. Be ready to DROP-COVER-HOLD ON again. Aftershocks can be nearly as strong as the initial quake.
2. Check yourself for injuries: Treat serious wounds first. You can't help others if you're incapacitated.
3. Check others nearby: Provide first aid for serious injuries. Don't move seriously injured people unless they're in immediate danger.
4. Check for gas leaks: If you smell gas (rotten egg odor), open windows, leave immediately, and shut off gas from outside if you can do so safely.
5. Check for electrical damage: If you see sparking wires or smell burning, shut off electricity at the main breaker.
6. Check for water leaks: Shut off water at the main valve if pipes are damaged.

Building Assessment

Before fully re-entering your home, do a quick safety check:

• Check foundation: Look for cracks wider than 1/4 inch
• Check chimney: Damaged chimneys can collapse. View from a distance initially.
• Check walls: Look for cracks around doors, windows, and where walls meet ceilings
• Check roof: Look for sagging, missing shingles, or visible damage
• Do not enter if structure appears unsafe: Wait for professional inspection

Communication

Phone networks will be overwhelmed after a major earthquake. Use these strategies:

• Text instead of call: Text messages use less bandwidth and often get through when calls can't
• Use social media: Facebook Safety Check, Twitter, etc. can notify multiple contacts at once
• Designate an out-of-state contact: Local lines may be jammed, but calls to distant areas often work. Everyone calls the same person with updates.
• Conserve battery: Reduce phone brightness, close unnecessary apps, use airplane mode between check-ins

Extended Aftermath: Days and Weeks

Major earthquakes can disrupt services for extended periods:

• Water service: May be contaminated or unavailable for days to weeks. Don't use tap water until officially cleared.
• Power: Outages can last days to weeks depending on damage. Prioritize refrigerated food and medical equipment.
• Roads: Damage to roads and bridges may limit travel and delay emergency services.
• Stores: Supply chains may be disrupted. Your stored supplies become critical.

Insurance Documentation

Before cleaning up, document damage for insurance claims:

• Photograph all damage from multiple angles
• Video walkthrough of affected areas
• Make list of damaged/destroyed items with estimated values
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing
• Contact insurance company promptly—adjusters will be in high demand

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate Your Earthquake Preparedness

Use these calculators to determine your exact supply needs: