What To Do During An Earthquake

Earthquakes can happen suddenly and create dangerous shaking, falling debris, broken utilities, fires, and structural damage within seconds. This guide explains the safest actions to take during earthquakes and immediately afterward.

Quick Earthquake Safety Steps

  1. Drop to the ground.
  2. Take cover under sturdy furniture.
  3. Hold on until shaking stops.
  4. Stay away from windows and glass.
  5. Do not run outside during shaking.
  6. Prepare for aftershocks.
  7. Check for injuries and hazards afterward.
  8. Monitor emergency alerts carefully.

Important: Most earthquake injuries occur from falling debris, broken glass, and collapsing objects during shaking.

Drop, Cover, And Hold On

The recommended earthquake response is:

  1. Drop to the ground immediately
  2. Take cover under sturdy furniture
  3. Hold on until shaking completely stops

This procedure helps reduce injury risks from falling debris and unstable objects.

Stay inside if you are already indoors during strong shaking.

Earthquake safety rule: Do not run outside during severe shaking.

If You Are Inside A Building

Stay inside during the earthquake unless the building is clearly collapsing or unsafe.

Moving during shaking increases risks from broken glass, falling debris, and unstable surfaces.

Stay away from:

  • Windows
  • Mirrors
  • Glass doors
  • Tall furniture
  • Hanging objects

If You Are Outside

Move away from buildings, utility poles, trees, streetlights, and other structures that may collapse or drop debris.

Stay in an open area until the shaking stops completely.

Watch carefully for falling debris and damaged power lines.

If You Are Driving

Pull over carefully to a safe location away from bridges, overpasses, power lines, and buildings.

Remain inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

Avoid damaged roads, bridges, and tunnels after the earthquake.

Vehicle Earthquake Safety Tips

  • Pull over safely
  • Avoid bridges and overpasses
  • Remain inside the vehicle
  • Watch for road damage afterward
  • Monitor emergency alerts

Prepare For Aftershocks

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that may occur after the main seismic event.

Damaged structures may become more unstable during aftershocks.

Continue using caution even after the strongest shaking appears over.

Aftershock safety rule: Damaged buildings may collapse during aftershocks.

Check For Injuries Carefully

After shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries carefully.

Broken glass, exposed nails, debris, and damaged structures may create additional hazards after earthquakes.

Provide first aid when safe and possible.

Post-Earthquake Injury Checklist

  • Check for bleeding
  • Monitor head injuries
  • Watch for breathing problems
  • Use first aid supplies carefully
  • Call emergency services if needed

Watch For Utility Hazards

Earthquakes may damage gas lines, electrical systems, and water pipes.

If gas leaks are suspected, leave the building immediately and contact emergency officials or utility providers.

Avoid using open flames if gas leaks may be present.

Prepare For Power Outages

Major earthquakes frequently damage electrical infrastructure and communication systems.

Flashlights and battery-powered radios are often safer than candles after earthquakes.

Power Outage Essentials

  • LED flashlights
  • Backup batteries
  • Portable power banks
  • Battery-powered radios
  • Emergency food and water

Generator safety rule: Never run generators indoors or near windows and doors.

Stay Informed After The Earthquake

Emergency information may change rapidly after major earthquakes.

Officials may issue evacuation orders, boil water notices, road closure updates, or aftershock warnings.

Monitor trusted emergency information carefully:

  • USGS earthquake alerts
  • Local emergency management
  • NOAA weather radio
  • Trusted local officials

Protect Pets During Earthquake Emergencies

Pets may become frightened or disoriented during earthquakes and aftershocks.

Animals may behave unpredictably because of fear and confusion.

Keep pets secured safely during and after earthquakes whenever possible.

Avoid Damaged Buildings

Buildings damaged during earthquakes may remain structurally unstable even if they appear intact initially.

Wait for officials or qualified inspectors to determine whether structures are safe to enter.

Falling debris and structural collapse risks may continue long after shaking ends.

Structural safety rule: Never enter heavily damaged buildings until professionals confirm they are safe.

Earthquake Recovery Can Take Time

Recovery after major earthquakes may involve prolonged outages, transportation problems, damaged utilities, and housing disruptions.

Organized preparation before earthquakes happen helps reduce chaos during recovery periods.

Emergency supplies and communication plans become extremely important during extended recovery operations.

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Final Thoughts

Earthquakes can happen suddenly and create dangerous conditions within seconds.

Families who practice drop, cover, and hold on procedures, prepare emergency supplies, secure homes, and monitor emergency information carefully are far more likely to stay safer during seismic emergencies.

The best earthquake survival strategy begins before the shaking starts.