Survive an Earthquake

What to do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect yourself and your family.

18 minUpdated June 21, 20269 steps

EarthquakePreparednessSafety

Introduction

Earthquakes strike without warning, lasting seconds to minutes. In those brief moments, knowing exactly what to do can save your life. Most earthquake injuries are caused by falling objects, not collapsing buildings. This guide covers pre-earthquake preparation, the critical 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' technique, what to do in different settings (home, office, outdoors, car), and post-earthquake safety checks.

Prerequisites

Awareness of earthquake risk in your area
Willingness to practice 'Drop, Cover, Hold On'
Basic home safety knowledge (securing heavy furniture)

Supplies Needed

Secured heavy furniture (bookshelves, water heaters bolted to wall)
Emergency kit (see 72-Hour Kit guide)
Hard-soled shoes near bed (broken glass is the most common injury)
Flashlight and whistle near bed

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Before: Secure Your Home

2 hours

Bolt heavy furniture (bookshelves, cabinets) to wall studs. Secure water heaters to the wall. Move heavy items to lower shelves. Install latches on cabinets. Know where gas, water, and electric shutoffs are.

Pro Tip

Earthquake straps for furniture cost less than $20 each and prevent the most common injuries.

2 hours

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