Global Warning Networks
🏠

Earthquake Safety Guide

Complete emergency procedures that could save your life during an earthquake. Learn what to do before, during, and after seismic events.

Emergency Actions Preparation Guide

🚨 DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

✅ WHAT TO DO

  • •
    DROP immediately to hands and knees
  • •
    TAKE COVER under a sturdy desk, table, or against an interior wall
  • •
    HOLD ON to your shelter and protect your head/neck with your arms
  • •
    Stay calm and count the duration (most earthquakes last less than 60 seconds)
  • •
    If in bed: Stay there, cover your head with a pillow
  • •
    If outdoors: Move away from buildings, trees, power lines
  • •
    If driving: Pull over safely, avoid overpasses/bridges, stay in vehicle

❌ WHAT NOT TO DO

  • •
    DON'T run outside during shaking (most injuries occur from falling objects)
  • •
    DON'T stand in doorways (modern doorways are not stronger than other parts)
  • •
    DON'T use elevators during or immediately after shaking
  • •
    DON'T light matches/candles immediately after (gas leaks possible)
  • •
    DON'T panic or scream (stay calm to think clearly)
  • •
    DON'T drive unless absolutely necessary immediately after
  • •
    DON'T use phones except for emergencies (keep lines open)

🎒 EARTHQUAKE PREPARATION

🎒 Emergency Kit

  • 💧 Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3-day supply minimum)
  • 🥫 Food: Non-perishable 3-day supply
  • 🔦 Flashlight and extra batteries
  • 📻 Battery-powered radio (weather/emergency)
  • 💊 First aid kit and medications
  • 🔧 Wrench to turn off gas
  • 💰 Cash in small bills
  • 📱 Phone chargers (solar/hand-crank)
  • 🧻 Sanitation supplies
  • 🧥 Extra clothing and blankets

🏠 Home Safety

  • 🔒 Secure heavy furniture to walls
  • 📺 Strap down appliances and electronics
  • 🪟 Install safety film on large windows
  • 🚿 Secure water heater with straps
  • 🔥 Know gas shut-off location and how to turn off
  • 💡 Install automatic gas shut-off valve
  • 🚪 Identify safe spots in each room
  • 🛏️ Keep shoes/flashlight by bedside
  • 📋 Create family communication plan
  • 🗺️ Know evacuation routes

📋 Documents & Plans

  • 🆔 ID copies: Driver's license, passport
  • 💳 Insurance papers: Home, auto, health
  • 🏦 Bank account information
  • 💊 Medical records and prescriptions
  • 📞 Emergency contact list
  • 🗂️ Property deeds/rental agreements
  • 📸 Photos of valuables for insurance
  • 💾 Digital copies stored in cloud
  • 🌐 Out-of-state contact person
  • 📍 Meeting places: Home area and regional

🔍 AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Immediate Actions (First 5 Minutes)

  1. 1
    Check yourself and others for injuries
  2. 2
    Check for immediate hazards (fire, gas leaks, electrical damage)
  3. 3
    Turn off gas if you smell it or hear hissing
  4. 4
    Turn off electricity if damage is apparent
  5. 5
    Check water lines and turn off if damaged
  6. 6
    Listen to radio for emergency information

Ongoing Safety

  • •
    Expect aftershocks - be ready to Drop, Cover, Hold On again
  • •
    Stay out of damaged buildings - structural damage may not be visible
  • •
    Be cautious of broken glass and debris
  • •
    Check on neighbors especially elderly and disabled
  • •
    Document damage with photos for insurance
  • •
    Conserve battery power on devices
  • •
    Stay away from coastlines - tsunami risk may exist

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Most earthquakes last less than 60 seconds. However, larger earthquakes can last several minutes. The shaking you feel is typically strongest for the first 10-30 seconds. Even if it feels like forever, remember that it will stop.
While animals may sense P-waves (the faster, weaker waves) before humans feel the stronger S-waves, this gives only seconds of warning. Animals cannot predict earthquakes days or weeks in advance. Don't rely on animal behavior as your primary warning system.
Modern buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes at all levels. The key is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On wherever you are. Don't try to run to a different floor during shaking - this increases your risk of injury from falling or being hit by debris.
Stay calm and don't move around or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with clothing if possible. Tap on pipes or walls to signal rescuers. Shout only as a last resort to conserve energy and avoid inhaling dust. Use a whistle if you have one.
Review and update your emergency kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, medications, and batteries. Update important documents and contact information. Consider seasonal needs (warm clothes in winter, extra water in summer).

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘

Emergency Services

911

Fire, Police, Medical

☎️

Red Cross

1-800-RED-CROSS

Disaster Relief

📻

Emergency Alert System

Local Radio/TV

Stay Informed

📱 Download Emergency Apps

• Red Cross Emergency App

• FEMA App

• Local emergency management apps

• Weather alert apps