Earthquake Preparedness: What to Do Before, During, and After
Tom Richardson
Emergency Preparedness Writer, SecurFig
An earthquake can strike without warning, and you usually have seconds — not minutes — to react. The most effective steps are the ones taken beforehand: reducing hazards in the home, storing basics, and rehearsing the response. This guide follows the "Prepare" guidance from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and FEMA, and applies far beyond the West Coast.
Earthquakes are a national hazard
Most U.S. earthquake activity is in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon, but damaging quakes have occurred in the central and eastern U.S. as well (including the New Madrid zone). See the primary source: USGS — Earthquake Hazards Program.
Before: reduce hazards in the home
- Secure the water heater to wall studs so it cannot topple and rupture a gas line.
- Anchor tall bookcases, cabinets, and TVs to studs or use anti-tip straps.
- Move heavy or breakable items to lower shelves.
- Know where and how to shut off gas, water, and electricity.
- Keep a flashlight and shoes by the bed — broken glass and debris are common after shocks.
Before: build a basic kit
- Water — roughly one gallon per person per day, for several days.
- Non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and any needed medications.
- First-aid supplies, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
- A phone charger and a battery or crank radio for local alerts.
- Cash and copies of key documents in a waterproof bag.
Our emergency kit checklist lays out a room-by-room build with priorities.
During: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Drop to the floor before the shaking knocks you down.
- Cover your head and neck, and take shelter under a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby.
- Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.
- If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow; do not run.
- If you are outside, move away from buildings, windows, and power lines.
- If you are driving, pull over safely and stay in the vehicle until shaking ends.
FEMA notes the old advice to stand in a doorway is outdated — a sturdy table protects you better from falling objects.
After: expect aftershocks and check hazards
- Check yourself and others for injuries; use the kit for minor care.
- Be ready for aftershocks, which can cause further damage.
- If you smell gas or suspect a leak, shut off the gas if it is safe to do so, leave the building, and do not use open flames or electrical switches that could spark.
- Listen to local authorities for information and shelter guidance; avoid damaged areas.
- Text rather than call when possible, to keep phone lines clear for emergencies.
Power and road disruptions are common after a strong quake, so the steps above pair naturally with broader readiness habits in our winter safety guide and budget home-security guide.
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and summarizes publicly available USGS and FEMA guidance. Local hazards, building codes, and official recommendations vary by region and can change; always follow current guidance from usgs.gov, fema.gov, and your state and local emergency management agencies. This guide does not constitute professional safety or engineering advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do earthquakes only happen in California?
No. The U.S. has frequent earthquakes in many places — Alaska, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon (Cascadia), Oklahoma and other central states (including the New Madrid zone), and South Carolina among them. Anyone in an earthquake-prone area should prepare, not just the West Coast.
What is the right thing to do during shaking?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On: get low, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck and stay away from windows. FEMA notes that doorways are not safer than a sturdy table.
How much water should I store?
A common planning figure from emergency agencies is about one gallon of water per person per day, for at least several days, plus food and a first-aid kit. Store what fits your household and rotate it so supplies stay fresh.
Should I turn off my gas after an earthquake?
Only if you smell gas or suspect a leak, and only if you know how to shut it off safely at the meter. After a major quake, local authorities will advise when it is safe to relight appliances. Do not use open flames to check for leaks.