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: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - Prepare
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What should I NOT do during an earthquake?
DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. You could tie up the lines needed for...
What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake?
Fire extinguisherAdequate supplies of medications that you or family members are takingCrescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water suppliesFirst-aid kit and handbookFlashlights with extra bulbs and batteriesPortable radio with extra batteriesWater for each family member for at least two weeks (allow at least 1 gallon per person per day) and purification tablets or chlorine bleach to...
What do I do AFTER an earthquake?
WEAR STURDY SHOESto avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocksCHECK FOR INJURIESIf a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if availableIf a person is not breathing administer CPRDO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injuryCOVER injured persons with blankets to keep warmSEEK medical help for...
What should I do DURING an earthquake?
If you are INDOORS -- STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it (Drop, Cover, and Hold on!) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of...
What are the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills?
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 annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness. These events are made possible through a collaboration between several agencies...
What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs? How do I identify it? What can be done?
The contents of your home may be damaged and can be dangerous:Shaking can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. IDENTIFY: Look around your house for things that could fall or move.Ask yourself if your cupboard doors could fly open (allowing dishes to shatter on the floor).Is TV and stereo fastened down...
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- FAQ
What should I NOT do during an earthquake?
DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. You could tie up the lines needed for...
What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake?
Fire extinguisherAdequate supplies of medications that you or family members are takingCrescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water suppliesFirst-aid kit and handbookFlashlights with extra bulbs and batteriesPortable radio with extra batteriesWater for each family member for at least two weeks (allow at least 1 gallon per person per day) and purification tablets or chlorine bleach to...
What do I do AFTER an earthquake?
WEAR STURDY SHOESto avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocksCHECK FOR INJURIESIf a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if availableIf a person is not breathing administer CPRDO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injuryCOVER injured persons with blankets to keep warmSEEK medical help for...
What should I do DURING an earthquake?
If you are INDOORS -- STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it (Drop, Cover, and Hold on!) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of...
What are the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills?
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 annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness. These events are made possible through a collaboration between several agencies...
What can I expect in my house when an earthquake occurs? How do I identify it? What can be done?
The contents of your home may be damaged and can be dangerous:Shaking can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. IDENTIFY: Look around your house for things that could fall or move.Ask yourself if your cupboard doors could fly open (allowing dishes to shatter on the floor).Is TV and stereo fastened down...
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