What can I do to be prepared for an earthquake?
There are four basic steps you can take to be more prepared for an earthquake:
Step 1:
Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
Step 2:
Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
Step 3:
Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
Step 4:
Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
These are recommended by the Earthquake Country Alliance, in which USGS is a partner.
Learn more: Preparedness Information - Earthquake Hazards Program
Related Content
What are the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills?
ShakeOut GIF showing what to do in an earthquake if you are near a sturdy desk or table. (Public domain.) The Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are based on scenario earthquakes that could effect the area if they were to actually take place. Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are an...
What do I do AFTER an earthquake?
What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs? How do I identify it? What can be done?
What should I NOT do during an earthquake?
What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake?
What should I do DURING an earthquake?
Putting down roots in earthquake country-Your handbook for earthquakes in the Central United States
This handbook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events. It explains the need for concern about earthquakes for those residents and describes what one can expect...
Contributors: Dart, Richard; McCarthy, Jill; McCallister, Natasha; Williams, Robert A.
The ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario: A story that southern Californians are writing
The question is not if but when southern California will be hit by a major earthquake - one so damaging that it will permanently change lives and livelihoods in the region. How severe the changes will be depends on the actions that individuals, schools, businesses, organizations, communities, and governments take to get ready. To help prepare for...
Perry, Suzanne; Cox, Dale; Jones, Lucile; Bernknopf, Richard; Goltz, James; Hudnut, Kenneth; Mileti, Dennis; Ponti, Daniel; Porter, Keith; Reichle, Michael; Seligson, Hope; Shoaf, Kimberley; Treiman, Jerry; Wein, Anne
Protecting Your Family From Earthquakes-The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (in Spanish and English)
This book is provided here to share an important message on emergency preparedness. Historically, we have suffered earthquakes here in the San Francisco Bay Area that have caused severe hardship for residents and incredible damage to our cities. It is likely we will experience a severe earthquake within the next 30 years. Many of us come from...
Protecting your family from earthquakes: The seven steps to earthquake safety
This book is provided here because of the importance of preparing for earthquakes before they happen. Experts say it is very likely there will be a damaging San Francisco Bay Area earthquake in the next 30 years and that it will strike without warning. It may be hard to find the supplies and services we need after this earthquake. For example,...
Putting down roots in earthquake country: Your handbook for the San Francisco Bay region
This handbook provides information about the threat posed by earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region and explains how you can prepare for, survive, and recover from these inevitable events. If you live or work in the region, you need to know why you should be concerned with earthquakes, what you can expect during and after a quake, and what...
The 2019 Great ShakeOut
When the ground starts to shake, what do you do? Great ShakeOut 2019: Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
USGS Science – Leading the Way for Preparedness
Learn About USGS Hazards Science and More About National Preparedness Month: The very nature of natural hazards means that they have the potential to impact a majority of Americans every year. USGS science provides part of the foundation for emergency preparedness whenever and wherever disaster strikes.
Students Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill
USGS Director Marcia McNutt (far right) participates in the Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill with students at Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston, Virginia. They are conducting the "drop, cover and hold on" safety procedure.
EQ Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity
Earthquake magnitudes and energy release, and comparison with other natural and man-made events.