Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. Total fault slip measured near this location was 40-46 cm. Photo taken on main rupture strand near Buhman Rd.
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 emergency response. If the phone doesn't work send someone for help
- DO NOT expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. They may not be available.
Learn more:
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - Prepare
- Why rescuers and experts recommend Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills (find resources for individual states)
Related Content
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...
What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake?
Fire extinguisher Adequate supplies of medications that you or family members are taking Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies First-aid kit and handbook Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries Portable radio with extra batteries Water 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 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 is the "Triangle of Life" and is it legitimate?
The "Triangle of Life" is a misguided idea about the best location a person should try to occupy during an earthquake. Based on observations of an earthquake in Turkey, the idea doesn't apply to buildings constructed within the United States. Drop, cover, and hold under a table or desk is still the best recommendation , according to the American Red Cross. Learn more: American Red Cross -...
What do I do AFTER an earthquake?
WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocks CHECK FOR INJURIES If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available If a person is not breathing administer CPR DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm SEEK medical...
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...
Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes?
1) Severe earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S.: In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston was heavily damaged. Other strong earthquakes recorded in the continental US were centered in southeastern Missouri near the border with Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. In...
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...
2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24
Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. Total fault slip measured near this location was 40-46 cm. Photo taken on main rupture strand near Buhman Rd.
2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24
Pavement buckling and tented sidewalk resulting from ~14 cm of compression on Sandybrook Ln., north end of main rupture.
Pavement buckling and tented sidewalk resulting from ~14 cm of compression on Sandybrook Ln., north end of main rupture.
2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24
Damaged unreinforced masonry building on Main St. in Napa Downtown.
Damaged unreinforced masonry building on Main St. in Napa Downtown.
Collapsed Home
Man standing in front of collapsed home in Pengzhou.
Man standing in front of collapsed home in Pengzhou.
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Related Content
- FAQ
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...
What emergency supplies do I need for an earthquake?
Fire extinguisher Adequate supplies of medications that you or family members are taking Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies First-aid kit and handbook Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries Portable radio with extra batteries Water 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 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 is the "Triangle of Life" and is it legitimate?
The "Triangle of Life" is a misguided idea about the best location a person should try to occupy during an earthquake. Based on observations of an earthquake in Turkey, the idea doesn't apply to buildings constructed within the United States. Drop, cover, and hold under a table or desk is still the best recommendation , according to the American Red Cross. Learn more: American Red Cross -...
What do I do AFTER an earthquake?
WEAR STURDY SHOES to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Expect aftershocks CHECK FOR INJURIES If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available If a person is not breathing administer CPR DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm SEEK medical...
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...
Why should people in the eastern United States be concerned about earthquakes?
1) Severe earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S.: In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston was heavily damaged. Other strong earthquakes recorded in the continental US were centered in southeastern Missouri near the border with Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. In...
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...
- Multimedia
2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24
Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. Total fault slip measured near this location was 40-46 cm. Photo taken on main rupture strand near Buhman Rd.
Left-stepping en echelon fractures characteristic of right-lateral fault displacement at the ground surface. Total fault slip measured near this location was 40-46 cm. Photo taken on main rupture strand near Buhman Rd.
2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24Pavement buckling and tented sidewalk resulting from ~14 cm of compression on Sandybrook Ln., north end of main rupture.
Pavement buckling and tented sidewalk resulting from ~14 cm of compression on Sandybrook Ln., north end of main rupture.
2014 South Napa CA M6 Earthquake - August 24Damaged unreinforced masonry building on Main St. in Napa Downtown.
Damaged unreinforced masonry building on Main St. in Napa Downtown.
Collapsed HomeMan standing in front of collapsed home in Pengzhou.
Man standing in front of collapsed home in Pengzhou.
Northridge, CA Earthquake DamageCollection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
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