Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes can happen at any time without warning. Learn how to prepare and protect yourself during and after an earthquake.


Prepare Now

  • Secure large items (bookshelves, televisions), including those hanging on walls. Store large, heavy
    objects on lower shelves and attaching with “Museum Wax”.
  • Practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” with your household and during workplace drills.
  • Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
  • Crawl only as far as need to get under cover. Hold on to sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.
  • DO NOT cover and hold on in a doorway as the door can injure you.
  • Establish a family out-of-state contact so family members can check in.
  • Plan where to meet, if separated, near your home and outside your neighborhood.
  • Create an emergency kit that can sustain your family for a minimum of three days. Include food, water, first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, charging devices for phones and other critical equipment, fire extinguisher and a whistle. Consider specific needs such as medications, hearing aid batteries, infant formula and diapers. Don’t forget your pets and be sure to include a leash/muzzle or carrier if you must evacuate your home.
  • The, free, MyShake app provides audio and visual earthquake warnings [magnitude 4.5 or higher) on Apple or Android cell phones.

For more information on preparing for an earthquake:



During an Earthquake


Indoors

  • DROP to your hands and knees and seek additional shelter by getting under a sturdy desk or table if one is nearby. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects. Crawl only if you can reach better coverage without going through debris.
  • COVER your head and neck with one arm.
  • HOLD ON to your shelter with the other hand and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops. 

Drop, Cover, Hold On

 

Guidance for wheelchair users:

  • LOCK your wheels (if applicable).
  • Bend over and COVER your head and neck with your arms, a book or a pillow.
  • HOLD ON until the shaking stops. 

Lock, Cover, Hold On


  • Stay inside until the shaking stops. DO NOT run outside.
  • If in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
  • DO NOT cover and hold on in a doorway as the door can injure you.
  • If in a high-rise building, fire alarms and sprinklers may go off.
  • Never use an elevator to exit the building.

 

Outdoors

  • Go to an open area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, poles and utility wires.
  • While driving: Slow Down, Pull Over and Stay Inside.
  • If near slopes, cliffs, hills, or mountain be alert for landslides and falling rocks.

Outside During Earthquake image


After an Earthquake

  • Expect aftershocks, which can be larger than the original earthquake.
  • Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
  • If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a wall or pipe. Cover your mouth for protection and use a
    whistle, if available, instead of shouting.
  • If building is damaged or you smell gas, exit immediately and move away from the building. Do not
    re-enter the building or other damaged buildings.
  • If you are in a tsunami zone, go inland or to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and work gloves, if available.
  • Save phone calls for emergencies, but check in with your family's out-of-state contact once you are in a safe area. Texting may work better than calling.