Earthquake Preparedness Explained: How to Prepare Before, During and After a Major Earthquake

What Is Earthquake Preparedness?

Earthquake preparedness is the process of reducing exposure to earthquake hazards before an event and planning how people will respond during and after strong shaking.

It includes far more than storing food and water. Effective preparedness combines:

• safe buildings;
• secured furniture and appliances;
• emergency supplies;
• household communication plans;
• earthquake drills;
• utility shutoff knowledge;
• aftershock awareness;
• tsunami evacuation planning in coastal areas;
• community resilience and emergency services.

Earthquake risk depends on both the natural event and the vulnerability of the exposed community. The same magnitude earthquake can produce very different outcomes depending on building quality, soil conditions, population density, preparedness and time of day.

For an overview of ground rupture, liquefaction, building collapse and infrastructure failure, visit:

Earthquake Hazards Explained

Earthquake Safety Before, During and After Shaking

Before an earthquake

Preparedness work completed in advance is usually more effective than decisions made under stress.

Before an earthquake:

• identify safe places in every room;
• secure tall and heavy furniture;
• store breakable and dangerous items safely;
• prepare emergency kits;
• learn local hazards and evacuation routes;
• practice household and workplace drills;
• review insurance and important documents;
• know how to receive emergency alerts.

During an earthquake

The priority is immediate protection from falling and flying objects. Most people should remain where they are and use drop, cover and hold on.

After an earthquake

The end of strong shaking does not mean the danger is over. Aftershocks, damaged buildings, gas leaks, fires, electrical hazards and tsunami threats may follow.

Emergency Kits for Earthquakes

An earthquake emergency kit should support household needs when electricity, water, communications, transport and shops are disrupted.

Supplies should reflect the number of people in the household, local climate, medical requirements, pets and the likelihood that assistance may be delayed.

Water

Store drinking water in clean, durable containers and rotate it according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

Water is also needed for:

• basic hygiene;
• food preparation;
• medication;
• pets;
• cleaning minor wounds.

Keep water in more than one location so that a single damaged storage area does not eliminate the entire supply.

Food

Store shelf-stable food that requires little water or cooking.

Useful choices include:

• canned foods;
• dry crackers and cereals;
• nut butters;
• dried fruit;
• energy bars;
• ready-to-eat meals;
• infant or medically required food;
• pet food.

Include a manual can opener when storing canned products.

Lighting and communication

• flashlights or headlamps;
• spare batteries;
• portable radio;
• charged power banks;
• charging cables;
• whistle for signaling;
• paper list of important phone numbers.

Avoid using candles where gas leaks or fire hazards may exist.

First-aid supplies

A basic first-aid kit may contain:

• adhesive bandages;
• sterile dressings;
• gauze and medical tape;
• antiseptic;
• gloves;
• scissors and tweezers;
• pain relief medication;
• personal prescription medicines;
• a first-aid guide.

Training is as important as equipment. Supplies are more useful when household members know basic first aid.

Protective equipment

• sturdy shoes;
• work gloves;
• dust masks;
• safety glasses;
• hard hat when appropriate;
• weather-resistant clothing;
• blankets or sleeping bags.

Sturdy shoes should be stored near beds because broken glass may cover floors after nighttime earthquakes.

Documents and money

• copies of identification;
• insurance information;
• medical details;
• property records;
• emergency contact information;
• local maps;
• small amount of cash.

Store physical copies in a waterproof container and encrypted digital copies in a secure location.

Sanitation supplies

• soap and hand sanitizer;
• toilet paper;
• garbage bags;
• disinfectant;
• feminine hygiene products;
• diapers when needed;
• portable sanitation supplies.

Go-bag versus home emergency kit

Where to store emergency supplies

Keep supplies in accessible locations that are unlikely to be blocked by fallen furniture or structural damage.

Consider smaller kits in:

• the home;
• vehicles;
• workplaces;
• schools;
• outbuildings;
• coastal evacuation bags.

Maintain the kit

Review emergency supplies regularly.

• replace expired food and medicine;
• recharge power banks;
• test radios and flashlights;
• update documents and contact details;
• adjust clothing for the season;
• replace supplies as household needs change.

Drop, Cover and Hold On

Drop, cover and hold on is the standard protective action for most people during earthquake shaking.

Drop

Drop onto your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down.

This position reduces the risk of falling while allowing limited movement toward nearby cover.

Cover

Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand.

When a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it. If no shelter is available, move beside an interior wall away from windows and cover your head and neck.

Hold on

Hold onto the table or desk so that you remain protected if it moves.

Be prepared to move with the shelter until the shaking stops.

Why running outside is dangerous

Exterior walls, windows, signs, chimneys and decorative masonry can fail during an earthquake. People attempting to leave buildings may be struck by falling debris.

Movement is also difficult during strong shaking. Running increases the risk of falling, colliding with objects or being injured on stairs.

Doorways are not automatically safer

The belief that every doorway is the safest place comes partly from observations of older unreinforced structures. In many modern buildings, doorways are no stronger than surrounding walls.

A doorway also provides little protection from falling or flying objects and may expose hands to swinging doors.

People with mobility limitations

People using wheelchairs or walkers should adapt the action to their abilities.

• lock wheelchair wheels when possible;
• remain seated rather than attempting unsafe movement;
• cover the head and neck;
• use a pillow, book or arms for protection;
• move away from glass when this can be done safely.

In bed

Stay in bed and protect your head with a pillow unless a heavy fixture directly above creates a greater danger.

Walking across broken glass in darkness may be more dangerous than remaining in bed.

Home Earthquake Safety

Many earthquake injuries occur when unsecured objects fall, slide, swing or shatter.

A home safety inspection should identify anything that could:

• fall onto a person;
• block an exit;
• break and create sharp debris;
• start a fire;
• damage water or gas connections;
• trap occupants.

Secure tall furniture

Anchor bookcases, wardrobes, cabinets and shelving units to wall studs using appropriate brackets or straps.

Furniture should not depend on drywall anchors alone when the object is heavy.

Secure televisions and electronics

Use straps, brackets or wall mounts designed for the object’s size and weight.

Avoid placing heavy electronics where they can fall onto beds, sofas or frequently occupied areas.

Protect cabinet contents

Install latches on cupboards containing:

• glassware;
• ceramics;
• chemicals;
• heavy cookware;
• cleaning products;
• medicines.

Store heavy items on lower shelves.

Secure hanging objects

Mirrors, framed pictures and decorative objects should be attached with closed hooks or other secure fasteners.

Avoid hanging heavy objects above beds, sofas or desks.

Water heaters and appliances

Water heaters should be properly strapped according to local requirements. Flexible utility connections may reduce the chance of pipe failure where permitted.

Refrigerators, washing machines and other heavy appliances may also need restraint in high-risk areas.

Chimneys and masonry

Unreinforced masonry chimneys can collapse and send bricks through roofs or into surrounding areas.

Have older masonry inspected by a qualified professional and strengthen or rebuild unsafe components where necessary.

Windows and glass

Keep beds and seating away from large windows when possible.

Safety film, laminated glass or protective coverings may reduce injuries from shattered glass, although they do not eliminate all risk.

Garage and foundation vulnerabilities

Homes with large garage openings, weak first stories, unbraced cripple walls or inadequate foundation connections may be especially vulnerable.

A structural engineer or qualified seismic retrofit professional can assess these conditions.

Create safe zones

Identify strong tables, desks or interior areas in every frequently occupied room.

Make sure these locations are not directly beside:

• large windows;
• tall furniture;
• hanging fixtures;
• heavy wall-mounted objects;
• unsecured appliances.

Home earthquake safety checklist

Create a Family Earthquake Communication Plan

Family members may be at home, work, school or traveling when an earthquake occurs. A communication plan should assume that mobile service may be congested and that everyone may not be able to return home immediately.

Choose meeting locations

Select:

• a location immediately outside the home;
• a neighborhood meeting point;
• an alternative location outside the affected area.

Choose an out-of-area contact

A friend or relative outside the region may be easier to contact than someone within the disaster zone.

Every household member should know the contact’s name and telephone number.

Use text messages when possible

Text messages may use less network capacity than voice calls. Keep messages brief and communicate essential information:

• your location;
• whether you are safe;
• whether you need help;
• where you plan to go.

Plan for children

Parents should understand school emergency procedures, authorized pickup rules and reunification locations.

Children should know that adults may be delayed and that they should follow school instructions rather than leaving alone.

Keep printed information

Phones may be lost, damaged or uncharged. Keep printed contact details in emergency kits, wallets, school bags and vehicles.

Earthquake Drills

Earthquake drills convert written plans into automatic behavior.

During strong shaking, people may have difficulty thinking clearly, moving normally or hearing instructions. Practiced responses reduce hesitation.

What an earthquake drill should include

1. Recognize the earthquake signal or alert.
2. Drop, cover and hold on immediately.
3. Remain protected for the simulated shaking period.
4. Check for injuries and hazards.
5. Practice evacuation only when the scenario requires it.
6. Account for all participants.
7. Review what worked and what needs improvement.

Practice in different locations

Do not practice only in one room. Household members should know what to do:

• in bedrooms;
• in the kitchen;
• in the garage;
• outside;
• at school;
• at work;
• while driving;
• near the coast.

Include realistic obstacles

Discuss what happens when:

• the normal exit is blocked;
• electricity fails;
• mobile networks are unavailable;
• a family member is injured;
• an aftershock begins during evacuation;
• a tsunami warning requires immediate movement inland.

Do not evacuate automatically

Many buildings are safer than streets during shaking. Evacuation should begin after shaking stops unless an immediate hazard makes remaining inside more dangerous.

Coastal areas are an important exception when strong or prolonged shaking indicates possible tsunami danger.

Review the drill

Afterward, ask:

• Did everyone reach cover quickly?
• Were safe places actually safe?
• Were exits blocked?
• Could emergency supplies be reached?
• Did everyone understand communication and reunion plans?
• Were accessibility needs addressed?

Building Codes and Earthquake Safety

Strong construction is one of the most effective forms of earthquake preparedness.

Emergency kits and drills reduce risk, but they cannot compensate for buildings that collapse during shaking.

What seismic building codes do

Earthquake-resistant building codes establish minimum requirements for:

• structural strength;
• ductility;
• foundation connections;
• lateral-force resistance;
• nonstructural components;
• fire protection;
• critical facilities.

The goal is not necessarily to prevent all damage. In severe shaking, a code-compliant building may still require major repairs. The primary objective is to reduce collapse and protect life.

Ductility

Ductile structures can bend, deform and absorb energy without suddenly failing.

Brittle materials and poorly connected components may fracture abruptly.

Shear walls and bracing

Shear walls, moment frames and braced frames help buildings resist horizontal earthquake forces.

Their design depends on the building’s height, materials, geometry and seismic environment.

Base isolation

Base-isolated buildings use flexible bearings or sliding systems between the structure and foundation.

These systems reduce the amount of ground motion transferred into the building.

Energy dissipation

Dampers can absorb part of the energy entering a building, reducing movement and structural demand.

Older buildings

Older structures may predate modern seismic standards.

Potentially vulnerable building types include:

• unreinforced masonry buildings;
• soft-story apartments;
• non-ductile concrete frames;
• poorly connected wood-frame homes;
• buildings with heavy unanchored façades;
• structures built on weak or liquefiable ground.

Seismic retrofitting

Retrofitting may involve:

• bolting a structure to its foundation;
• bracing cripple walls;
• strengthening soft stories;
• adding shear walls or frames;
• reinforcing masonry;
• securing façades and parapets;
• strengthening utility connections;
• improving foundations.

Nonstructural safety

A building can remain standing while ceilings, pipes, lights, shelves, equipment and façades fail.

Nonstructural components should be secured, especially in:

• hospitals;
• schools;
• laboratories;
• warehouses;
• industrial facilities;
• emergency centers.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Indoors

• Drop, cover and hold on.
• Stay away from windows and glass.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not run outside during strong shaking.
• Protect your head and neck.
• Expect alarms, sprinklers and power failure.

In a high-rise building

Remain inside and protect yourself. High-rise buildings may sway for longer periods than low-rise buildings.

Avoid windows and elevators. Be prepared for fire alarms and sprinkler activation.

Outside

Move to an open area away from:

• buildings;
• walls;
• power lines;
• trees;
• streetlights;
• bridges;
• signs and façades.

Driving

Slow down and pull over safely.

Avoid stopping:

• on or beneath bridges;
• inside tunnels;
• near power lines;
• beside unstable slopes;
• next to damaged buildings.

Stay inside the vehicle until strong shaking stops.

In a crowded public place

Do not rush toward exits. Protect yourself from falling objects and follow trained staff instructions after shaking stops.

Near mountains or steep slopes

Be alert for:

• rockfalls;
• landslides;
• falling trees;
• road collapse;
• blocked valleys and rivers.

Aftershock Safety

Aftershocks are earthquakes that follow the mainshock as the crust adjusts to changes in stress.

They may occur minutes, days, months or longer after a major earthquake.

Why aftershocks are dangerous

Aftershocks can:

• collapse buildings weakened by the mainshock;
• trigger additional landslides and rockfalls;
• break damaged utility lines;
• interrupt rescue operations;
• cause new fires;
• injure people entering unstable structures.

What to do during an aftershock

Drop, cover and hold on again.

Do not assume that later shaking will be weak. Some aftershocks can be large and damaging.

Avoid damaged buildings

Do not enter a visibly damaged structure unless authorized by qualified officials.

Warning signs include:

• leaning walls;
• large cracks;
• separated floors or roofs;
• collapsed ceilings;
• damaged columns;
• shifting foundations;
• falling masonry;
• unusual creaking or movement.

Check for injuries

Assist injured people when it is safe to do so. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they face immediate danger.

Wear protective footwear

Broken glass, nails, masonry and metal may cover floors and streets.

Use communication networks carefully

Keep calls brief and reserve emergency lines for urgent needs.

Text messages may be more reliable when networks are congested.

Follow official information

Use trusted emergency agencies, local authorities and established warning systems rather than rumors or unverified social-media posts.

Gas, Electricity and Water Safety After an Earthquake

Damaged utilities can create fires, explosions, electrocution, flooding and contaminated water.

Gas safety

Signs of a possible gas leak include:

• the smell of gas;
• hissing sounds;
• damaged gas pipes;
• unexpected gas-appliance failure.

Do not:

• light matches;
• use candles;
• operate electrical switches;
• start engines near a suspected leak.

Leave the area and follow local utility guidance.

Electricity

Avoid fallen power lines and anything touching them.

Shut off power only when damage creates a clear hazard and when you know how to do so safely.

Water

Broken water pipes may flood buildings or contaminate drinking supplies.

Follow official boil-water or water-safety advisories.

Know shutoff locations before an earthquake

Household members should know where utility controls are located and which tools are required.

Do not wait until an emergency to search for instructions.

Tsunami Evacuation After an Earthquake

Strong offshore earthquakes can generate tsunamis. Coastal residents and visitors may have only minutes to reach safer ground.

Earthquake preparedness near the coast must include tsunami evacuation planning.

Natural tsunami warning signs

Evacuate immediately when:

• strong shaking makes standing difficult;
• shaking lasts for a long time;
• the sea suddenly withdraws or rises;
• a loud ocean roar is heard;
• local authorities issue a tsunami warning.

Move inland or uphill

Travel on foot when roads are damaged or congested.

Follow marked evacuation routes and move beyond the official hazard zone.

Do not go to the shore

A receding sea is not an invitation to inspect the coastline. It may indicate that a tsunami wave is approaching.

Do not assume the first wave is the largest

Tsunamis usually arrive as a series of waves. Dangerous currents and flooding may continue for many hours.

Vertical evacuation

In areas where high ground is too distant, designated reinforced buildings or tsunami evacuation structures may provide vertical refuge.

Use only locations identified by local emergency authorities.

Practice the evacuation route

Walk the route in advance and determine:

• how long it takes;
• whether bridges are involved;
• where congestion may occur;
• how children and people with limited mobility will evacuate;
• where household members will reunite.

Learn more in the dedicated guide:

Tsunamis Explained

Earthquake Preparedness for Schools and Workplaces

Schools

School plans should include:

• regular earthquake drills;
• safe cover locations;
• classroom hazard reduction;
• student accountability;
• first-aid supplies;
• parent reunification procedures;
• plans for students with disabilities;
• tsunami evacuation where applicable.

Shelves, televisions, lighting fixtures, laboratory equipment and suspended ceilings should be properly secured.

Workplaces

Workplace planning should address:

• employee protection;
• hazardous machinery;
• chemical storage;
• emergency power;
• fire safety;
• accountability and communication;
• business continuity;
• remote and off-site workers.

Industrial facilities

Facilities handling chemicals, fuels, pressure systems or high-temperature processes may require automatic shutdowns and specialized response plans.

Earthquake early warning

Some organizations can connect to earthquake early-warning systems that trigger automatic or manual protective actions seconds before strong shaking.

Learn how these systems work:

Earthquake Early Warning Explained

Pets, Medical Needs and Accessibility Planning

Pets

Include:

• pet food and water;
• medication;
• leashes or carriers;
• identification and vaccination records;
• sanitation supplies;
• a recent photograph;
• pet-friendly evacuation locations.

Animals may hide or attempt to escape after strong shaking. Secure them only when it is safe to do so.

Prescription medication

Maintain an emergency supply where permitted and keep a written list of:

• medications;
• dosages;
• allergies;
• medical conditions;
• healthcare providers.

Powered medical equipment

Plan for backup batteries, power stations or generator-supported locations when medical devices depend on electricity.

Mobility and sensory needs

Preparedness plans should consider:

• accessible evacuation routes;
• communication assistance;
• service animals;
• backup mobility equipment;
• visual and audible alerts;
• support networks;
• medication refrigeration.

Personal support network

Identify trusted people who can check on vulnerable household members after an earthquake.

Share only the information needed to provide effective assistance.

Common Earthquake Preparedness Mistakes

Preparing only an emergency kit

Supplies are important, but they do not secure a home, strengthen a building or teach people how to respond during shaking.

Running outside during shaking

Exterior falling debris may create greater danger than remaining under sturdy cover indoors.

Standing in every doorway

Modern doorways are not automatically safer and provide limited protection from falling objects.

Ignoring nonstructural hazards

Bookcases, cabinets, televisions, ceiling fixtures and water heaters can cause serious injury even when the building remains standing.

Forgetting nighttime earthquakes

Keep sturdy shoes, a flashlight and essential medication beside the bed.

Assuming mobile phones will always work

Networks may be congested or damaged. Keep printed contacts, radios and alternative meeting plans.

Returning to damaged buildings too quickly

Aftershocks can collapse already weakened structures.

Waiting for a tsunami warning after strong coastal shaking

Natural warning signs may provide the only time available for evacuation.

Failing to update the plan

Household members, workplaces, medications and contact details change. Preparedness plans should change with them.

Complete Earthquake Preparedness Checklist

Before an earthquake

• Secure tall furniture to wall framing.
• Move heavy objects to lower shelves.
• Install cabinet latches.
• Secure televisions, mirrors and hanging fixtures.
• Strap the water heater where required.
• Identify safe cover locations.
• Prepare home, vehicle and workplace emergency kits.
• Create a family communication plan.
• Choose meeting locations.
• Learn utility shutoff procedures.
• Practice earthquake drills.
• Know local tsunami evacuation routes.
• Review insurance and important documents.
• Arrange plans for pets and medical needs.
• Enable official emergency alerts.

During an earthquake

• Drop, cover and hold on.
• Protect the head and neck.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not run outside during strong shaking.
• Pull over safely when driving.
• Move away from buildings and power lines when outside.

After an earthquake

• Expect aftershocks.
• Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Wear sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Leave seriously damaged buildings.
• Check for gas, electrical and water hazards.
• Use flashlights instead of flames.
• Follow official information.
• Use text messages when networks are congested.
• Evacuate tsunami zones when natural or official warnings occur.
• Do not return until authorities say the area is safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earthquake Preparedness