Prepare Before Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, and mass destruction of Buildings. Most importantly, the loss of life, human and otherwise. They can happen at anytime, anywhere without warning. Areas at higher risk for earthquakes include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington. The entire Mississippi River Valley is also a hot spot.

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground. The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens. After an earthquake, there can be serious hazards such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.

The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.

  • Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle. Include non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case services are cut off in your area. If you are able to, set aside items like soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and general household cleaning supplies that you can use to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly. After an earthquake, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.
  • Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
  • Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials in advance of the pandemic and must shop more frequently. In addition, consider avoiding WIC-labeled products so that those who rely on these products can access them.
  • Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves. Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake. Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.

After an earthquake, there can be serious hazards such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.

  • Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
  • If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
  • If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
  • If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Note that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through water, however, you should avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
  • Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.

Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information. Instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.