Earthquakes can strike without warning, causing widespread damage, injury, and loss of life. While we cannot predict when or where an earthquake will occur, there are concrete steps individuals and families can take to prepare and minimize risk. Being proactive can make a huge difference in how safely you and your loved ones respond when the shaking starts. Below are 10 essential earthquake preparedness tips, with guidance on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
1. Create an Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should contain the basics you’ll need to survive for at least 72 hours without assistance. Items to include are non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, medications, and a portable phone charger. Don’t forget about the needs of pets or other family members with special requirements.
2. Secure Heavy Furniture and Appliances
During an earthquake, unsecured heavy furniture like bookcases, cabinets, and shelves can topple over, causing injuries. Use furniture straps, brackets, or earthquake putty to secure large items to the wall. Be sure to anchor televisions, computers, and other electronics to prevent them from falling during shaking. Additionally, place heavy or breakable items on lower shelves to reduce the risk of them falling.
3. Practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" Drill
When an earthquake occurs, take immediate action by dropping to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck with your arms, and taking shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, protect your head and neck with your arms and take cover against an interior wall away from windows.
4. Know Your Safe Spots
Identify safe spots in each room of your home, such as under tables, against interior walls, or in door frames. Avoid standing near windows, glass, or heavy objects that could fall.
5. Create a Family Emergency Plan
Having a comprehensive emergency plan is critical for earthquake preparedness. This plan should include designated meeting points, especially if you are separated when the earthquake occurs, and a communication strategy in case phone lines are down. It’s important that everyone in your household, including children, understands the plan. Practice evacuation routes and procedures regularly, and discuss how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity.
6. Retrofit Your Home
If you live in an older home, consider retrofitting it to make it more earthquake-resistant. This may include reinforcing the foundation, securing walls to the foundation, and upgrading the building’s structural elements to withstand seismic activity.
7. Learn How to Turn Off Utilities
During an earthquake, damaged gas lines can lead to fires, and broken water pipes may cause flooding. Learning how to shut off your utilities—gas, water, and electricity—is an essential step in preparedness. Be sure to keep wrenching tools and instructions in a visible and easy-to-reach location. After an earthquake, check for gas leaks, flooding, or electrical damage before turning the utilities back on.
8. Stay Informed with Earthquake Alerts
In some regions, earthquake early warning systems can provide seconds to minutes of advance notice, allowing people to take protective actions. In the U.S., the ShakeAlert system offers warnings for the West Coast, and similar systems are in development for other areas. Make sure to download earthquake alert apps and set up notifications on your smartphone to receive updates in real-time.
9. Prepare for Aftershocks
Aftershocks, smaller earthquakes that occur after the main event, are common and can sometimes be even more destructive than the initial quake. Reinforce your home and structure to withstand additional shaking. Ensure that fire extinguishers, flashlights, and emergency supplies are easily accessible. Continue to monitor news reports and keep a battery-powered radio or an app handy for updates.
10. Educate and Involve Children
Ensure that your children understand the importance of earthquake safety. Teach them how to react when the ground shakes, and make sure they’re familiar with the family emergency plan. Practicing drills with your kids can make them feel more confident and prepared.
Being prepared for an earthquake is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones. By taking these steps to secure your home, practice safety drills, and develop an emergency plan, you can minimize the risks and stay safe when an earthquake occurs.
Conclusion
Earthquake preparedness isn’t just about securing your home—it’s about developing a plan, gathering the right supplies, and knowing how to act in a crisis. By following these 10 essential earthquake preparedness tips, you can reduce the risks associated with earthquakes and improve your chances of staying safe during and after the shaking stops. Start taking these steps today, and ensure that you, your family, and your community are ready for the next big one.
Sources:
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), "Earthquake Safety Tips" (https://www.fema.gov)
American Red Cross, "Prepare for an Emergency" (https://www.redcross.org)
Earthquake Country Alliance, "Securing Your Home" (https://www.earthquakecountry.org)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), "What to Do During an Earthquake" (https://www.usgs.gov)
California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), "Earthquake Drills" (https://www.caloes.ca.gov)