Earthquake Safety

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An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the shifting of underground rock. Deaths and injuries occur when people fall trying to walk or run during shaking or when they are hit by falling debris. Smaller earthquakes, called aftershocks, always follow the mainshock. Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, landslides, fires, and damage to utilities. Earthquakes can happen anywhere, and there is no way to predict them. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home.

How to Teach Your Child About Earthquakes

You'll find downloadable digital resources, videos on earthquakes and more at redcross.org/youthprep.

What Should You Do Before an Earthquake?

Understand Your Risk

Earthquakes can happen anywhere but are more common in certain areas. Find out if you live in an area prone to earthquakes.

Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On

During an earthquake, you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect yourself from falling debris. Practice with your entire household so everyone knows what to do. Here is how to practice:

DROP where you are onto your hands and knees.

This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to crawl to a protected space.

COVER your head and neck with your arms.

If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for protection.
If you cannot find a protected space, crawl to an interior wall (away from windows).
Stay on your knees and bend over to protect yourself from injury.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

If you are under a table or desk, hold onto it as things will be moving. Use an arm to protect your head and neck.
If you are not under a protected space: Protect your head and neck with both arms.

To Prevent Injuries, Secure Your Space

Identify things that might fall during shaking. Imagine if the room were picked up, shaken up and down, and side to side. Which items could fall and injure you? Consider things such as televisions, shelves, mirrors, pictures, water heaters, refrigerators, and bookcases.
Secure these items so they don't injure you during an earthquake. Straps, hooks, latches, and other safety devices are widely available.
If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, get your building evaluated and consider structural improvements.
Earthquakes are generally not covered by household or renters’ insurance. Earthquake insurance policies may be available. Check with insurance providers.

Plan to Stay Connected

Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
Have a battery-powered radio so that you can stay informed.
Create a personal support team of people you may assist and who can assist you.
There is no way to predict an earthquake, but earthquake early-warning systems are in development. See if they are available in your area.

Learn Emergency Skills

Learn First Aid and CPR to help others. People may be injured, and emergency services may not be available.
Learn how to turn off the utilities in your home.
Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it safely.
Be ready to live without power, gas, and water.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Gather food, water, and medicine. Stores and pharmacies might be closed. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit, Stay-at-Home-Kit, and a Bed-Kit:
- Go-Kit: at least 3 days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
- Stay-at-Home Kit: at least 2 weeks of supplies.
- Bed-Kit: a bag of supplies attached to your bed. Include items you will need if an earthquake happens while you are sleeping. Store sturdy shoes to protect your feet from glass, one of the most common earthquake injuries. Also include a flashlight, glasses, a dust mask, and a whistle.
Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container, and other needed medical supplies or equipment.
Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

Download the Earthquake Safety Checklist

Red Cross checklists are available in multiple languages

Get Preparation Tips for the Whole Family

Children

Older Adults

People with Disabilities

Pets

What Should You Do During an Earthquake?

**When shaking starts, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON to protect yourself**

If you are in bed, STAY there and COVER your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are outdoors, drop, then crawl towards open space if you can. Stay away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
If you are driving, stop and stay in your vehicle. Avoid stopping near buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid bridges or ramps.
If you are in a wheelchair or use a walker, lock your wheels, and remain seated until the shaking stops. If you are unable to drop, brace yourself and protect your head and neck. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

How Does the Red Cross Help During an Earthquake?

When an earthquake occurs, the Red Cross provides shelter, food and comfort.

Learn About Red Cross Earthquake Relief

What Should You Do After an Earthquake?

Stay Safe

Wait a minute before getting up. Check for any immediate dangers around you and protect yourself.
Anticipate broken glass and debris on the ground, so put on sturdy shoes as soon as possible.
If it is safe, exit the building. Go outside to a clear area. Check to make sure nothing will fall on you, such as bricks from a building, power lines, and trees.
If you do not have a safe area outside, it may be better to remain inside.
If you are near the coast, a tsunami could follow the earthquake. As soon as the shaking stops, climb to safety. Walk quickly to higher ground or inland away from the coast. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning.
Expect aftershocks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On whenever you feel shaking.
If you are trapped:
- Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from airborne debris. You can use a cloth, clothing, or a dust mask to cover your mouth and nose.
- Signal for help. Use a whistle or knock loudly on a solid piece of the building three times every few minutes. Rescue personnel listen for such sounds.
Care for any injuries you may have and assist others.
If your home has been damaged and is no longer safe, leave and go to a safer place. If you can, take your Go-Kit of supplies.
Use flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk.
Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.

Stay Connected

Listen to local radio, TV, or other news sources for emergency information.
Let friends and family know you are safe when you can.

Take Care of Yourself

It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Check Your Home for Safety

Follow guidance from local officials.
Inspect the outside of your home for damage before re-entering. If safe to do so, check the inside of your home.
Check for damage to gas, water, electrical, and sewage systems. If there is damage, turn the utility off.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home, and call 911. Once you are in a safe place, report the issue to your utility company.
If needed, have your home inspected by a professional for damage and safety issues.