BEFORE an Earthquake
- Identify risks in your community and around your home
- Secure anything that can fall onto someone, block an exit or start a fire during an earthquake
- Develop a family communication plan and discuss the plan with family members so everyone knows what to do when an earthquake occurs
DURING an Earthquake
- DROP to the ground
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy piece of furniture
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops
- If you are not near a sturdy piece of furniture, cover your face and head with your arms and try to get near an inside corner of the building
- DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE - you could be hit by falling debris and seriously injured
AFTER an Earthquake
- Safely evacuate – if you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. If you have a cell phone use it to call or text for help. Tap on a pipe or wall or whistle so rescuers can find you
- Once you are safe, monitor the news and social media for emergency information and instructions
- Be prepared for aftershocks – this additional shaking could do more damage to buildings damaged by the initial quake
- If your home has sustained damage, have a professional engineer or local building official inspect the structural integrity of your home for potential damage you can’t see
- This inspection should include your chimney where hidden damage could lead to fires
- Your gas, electrical, sewer and water lines should be checked for damage as well
For more information, download FEMA’s guide on How to Prepare for an Earthquake. You can also download an Earthquake Safety Checklist from the Red Cross which is available in English, Vietnamese and several other languages.