Buzz
Earthquakes can be downright brutal. These seismic disasters rank as the deadliest of all natural events, responsible for taking an average of 60,000 lives annually. However, if you can find the right place to take refuge when the ground shakes, you might stand a better chance of surviving.
A large number of earthquake fatalities could be avoided with the widespread use of earthquake-resistant buildings. But even if you're inside a structure designed to withstand tremors, there are still precautions you should take to maximize your safety.
What is the safest place to be when an earthquake strikes?
The safest place to be during an earthquake is likely in the center of an open field, far from trees, as falling debris is the greatest risk. However, since earthquakes strike without warning, staying safe often requires quick reflexes and decisive action, regardless of where you are when it happens.
Generally, surviving an earthquake depends on shielding yourself from falling debris and preventing yourself from losing balance. If you're indoors when the shaking begins, remember to “drop, cover, and hold on.”
Drop: As soon as you feel the initial tremor, drop to your hands and knees. This helps prevent you from falling and positions you to crawl under a nearby desk or table. Avoid trying to run or walk toward a safer spot, as you're more likely to trip. Exception: If you're in bed, stay there. Cover your head with a pillow and wait for the shaking to stop.
Cover: Protect your neck and head with one hand, because as the Wu-Tang Clan wisely says, Protect Ya Neck. Crawl under a sturdy desk or table if one is nearby. If not, move towards an interior wall instead of an exterior one, as exterior walls have windows, which are not ideal. Stay on your hands and knees, keeping your neck covered to protect both your skull and vital organs.
Hold on: Grasp the desk or table with one hand while keeping the other hand over your neck and head. Be prepared to move with the desk or table as it shifts. You might wonder, “How long will this last? It must stop soon!” but wait until the shaking has fully ceased before moving.
If you're in a wheelchair: Lock your wheels, protect your neck, and hold on.
Don’t stand in a doorway. This outdated advice is no longer valid. Modern doorways offer no more protection than other areas in the house, and rushing toward one could cause you to fall.
Don’t run outside or into other rooms: Stay where you are, whether indoors or outdoors. Moving around increases the risk of falling, though in some cases (see below), it might be safer to move if it can be done carefully.
What should you do if you're outdoors when an earthquake strikes?
The “seek shelter under something” tactic doesn’t usually apply if you’re outdoors, driving, or at the beach.
Outdoors: Move to an open area if it's safe, away from power lines, trees, signs, and other potential dangers. The most hazardous place to be outdoors is next to a building, as windows and decorations may fall. Once you’re away from structures, remember to drop, cover, and hold on.
Driving: Safely pull over and engage your parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, and other hazards when possible. Stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops. Once it’s safe, drive home cautiously, as there could be road hazards after the quake.
At the beach: If you’re by the shore when an earthquake occurs, you likely won’t face falling debris, but be aware of the potential for tsunamis. Once the shaking ceases, immediately head for higher ground. Don’t wait for official warnings—just go.
How can you prepare for an earthquake?
While there’s not much you can do once an earthquake begins, there’s plenty you can do in advance to prepare. Being ready for the “big one” (and the smaller ones) involves making a plan: securing your home and knowing how to act when the shaking stops.
Everyone should make their home earthquake-ready
While earthquakes are more common in certain regions, as shown by the recent 'quake in the Northeast, even areas typically free from seismic activity can experience an occasional tremor. Regardless of where you live, it’s important to take steps to make your home safer in case an earthquake strikes.
How to make your home more resilient to earthquakes
In the U.S., most earthquake-prone regions follow building codes meant to prevent structural collapses, which are responsible for most fatalities and injuries during earthquakes. However, even if your house stays intact, it can still pose a serious risk during a quake. The true threat comes from falling or flying objects. In California's Northridge earthquake of 1994, only 1 percent of injuries were due to building collapses, while 55% resulted from unsecured items inside homes.
Begin by walking through your home and imagining it shaking violently back and forth and up and down at speeds of several feet per second. What could become loose and potentially kill you? That unsecured bookcase is a ticking time bomb; the heavy glass-framed painting over your couch could slice you open if things get shaky.
Take some time—perhaps one or two tasks each weekend—to secure everything. Literally everything.
Here are a few specific things to consider, as recommended by California’s Earthquake Country Alliance:
Hang plants in lightweight pots with closed hooks, securely attached to a joist or stud, and far from windows.
Install sturdy latches on kitchen cabinets.
Use flexible connections where gas lines connect to appliances.
Lock refrigerator wheels and secure the unit to studs.
Secure valuable electronics, such as computers and televisions.
Store breakable items in low or locked cabinets with latches.
Move heavy plants and other large items to the floor or low shelves.
Hang mirrors and pictures using closed hooks.
Anchor free-standing wood stoves or fireplace inserts.
Keep heavy, unstable objects away from doors and exit routes.
Place your bed away from windows or anything that could fall.
Use museum putty to secure knick-knacks and other small valuables.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Place only lightweight or soft items above your bed.
Anchor top-heavy furniture to studs.
Secure your water heater with metal straps attached to studs.
Trim any hazardous tree limbs.
This is far from a complete list.
What should you include in your emergency earthquake kit?
After securing all potential hazardous projectiles in your home, gather the following emergency items:
Place a fire extinguisher (type ABC) in a location that’s easy to reach.
Store several flashlights in accessible spots throughout your home.
Keep a wrench or turn-off tool wrapped in waterproof material near your gas meter.
Know the location of your main electrical switch (fuse box or circuit breaker).
Have your emergency plan easily accessible and discuss it with all family members.
Be aware if you live, work, or play in a tsunami hazard zone.
Get a NOAA Weather Radio with the Public Alert feature to keep you informed of tsunamis and other dangers.
Place flashlight, slippers, and gloves next to beds.
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Have an emergency backpack with copies of important documents near the door, ready to grab and go.
Store emergency food and water in a dry, easy-to-reach area. Don’t forget a first aid kit, extra cash, portable radio, spare batteries, medications, and other essential items.
Can you get an early warning for earthquakes?
Unless you possess psychic abilities, an earthquake will likely give you little warning. However, you may get a brief 5-second lead time if you subscribe to an earthquake warning system like California’s My Shake app. (Apple, Android) It might only be a few seconds, but that’s enough time to dive under a sturdy table, brace yourself, and say a quick prayer.
What should you do immediately after an earthquake?
Once the shaking stops, the danger may not be over. If the quake was significant, brace yourself—it’s likely to be a rough day ahead.
If you're trapped: If you're stuck under debris or in a collapsed building, protect your face, mouth, nose, and eyes from dust. Try to signal in any way you can, whether with your emergency whistle (that you probably always carry), a phone call, or loud knocking. Knock three times every few minutes on a solid structure to help rescuers locate you.
If you're in a tsunami zone: Earthquakes often trigger tsunamis. Check out my guide to surviving a tsunami for tips on staying safe. Don’t hesitate—move to higher ground as soon as it’s safe.
Tend to any injured: If someone is hurt, provide first aid. Call for an ambulance, but don’t expect one to arrive immediately—they’ll be swamped.
Fires: Fires are a major secondary risk from earthquakes. If you notice a small fire and you’re unharmed and know what you're doing, extinguish it using your fire extinguisher. For larger fires, evacuate the building, call for help, but don’t expect a fast response from the fire department—they’ll be busy too.
Gas leaks: Turn off the gas only if you suspect a leak—look for a broken pipe, smell gas, or see the meter spinning fast. If none of these apply, leave the gas on.
Damaged wiring: If there’s damage to your home’s electrical wiring, turn off the power at the main breaker.
Don’t use candles or lighters: Stick to flashlights post-quake. Using open flames could cause a fire or worse, an explosion if there’s a gas leak.
Identify hazards in your home: The earthquake will likely have made a mess of your surroundings. Take a moment to assess the damage, but avoid hurting yourself in the aftermath—broken glass, spilled chemicals, and fallen debris could pose additional risks.
What should you do in the days following an earthquake?
Inform others that you're safe: People will be worried, but your cell service might be down. Call someone outside the affected area to let them spread the word that you’re okay. Conserve your battery.
Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly or those with disabilities. (This assumes you like your neighbors—if not, disregard.)
Check your home’s safety: If you’re uncertain whether your house is safe, don’t take chances. FEMA shelters are being set up, and they’d be happy to take you in.
Stay updated: Follow local radio and TV reports to know where to find emergency food, shelter, and medical assistance.
Food and water: If the power is out, consume frozen and refrigerated food first, followed by canned goods.
Document the damage: Take pictures of your property for insurance claims.
Hopefully, life in your community will return to normal quickly. Once it does, make sure you share photos of your damaged home on social media. Promise to rebuild! Reflect on why you ever moved to San Diego in the first place. Marvel at how strangers came together to help one another, or curse humanity’s indifference (depending on your perspective). Consider all the ways your earthquake plan failed, and either vow to improve it or accept that you’re too small to fight fate and the Great Earthquake of Death will claim you, no matter how many battery-powered radios you own. Hopefully, your earthquake trauma will fade into a funny bar story until the next one strikes.
