How to Prepare for Earthquakes: Your Complete Safety Guide

Earthquakes strike without warning, leaving little time to react once the ground begins to shake. Unlike hurricanes or floods that often come with advance notice, earthquake preparedness must happen well before any tremors begin. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, millions of Americans live in areas with significant earthquake risk, yet fewer than 25% have taken basic preparedness steps to protect themselves and their homes.

At Batten Home Security, we’ve guided countless families through creating comprehensive earthquake safety plans. What we’ve consistently found is that proper preparation significantly reduces both property damage and personal injury risk. This guide walks you through practical, expert-backed steps to protect your home, ensure your family’s safety, and recover more quickly should an earthquake strike your area.

Understanding Earthquake Risk in Your Area

While California may be famous for its seismic activity, earthquake risk exists in many parts of the United States. The USGS National Seismic Hazard Map shows significant risk zones extending through the Pacific Northwest, the Intermountain West, parts of the central United States (particularly along the New Madrid Seismic Zone), and even portions of the East Coast. Understanding your specific regional risk is the first step toward appropriate preparation.

Most homeowners we work with are surprised to learn that at least 42 states in the U.S. have moderate to high earthquake risk. Even areas not typically associated with earthquakes can experience them, as evidenced by the 2011 magnitude 5.8 earthquake centered in Virginia that was felt across more than a dozen states and even damaged the Washington Monument.

How to Assess Your Local Earthquake Risk:

Check the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program website for seismic hazard maps specific to your region
Contact your local emergency management office for information about historical earthquake activity
Consult with your home insurance provider about earthquake risk assessment for your specific property
Review your state’s geological survey information, which often includes fault line maps and historical seismic data

Creating a Comprehensive Home Earthquake Safety Plan

Developing a family earthquake plan is essential for minimizing confusion and panic during an actual event. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), families who practice earthquake drills regularly respond more effectively during actual emergencies. Your plan should account for where family members might be during different times of day, include multiple meeting points, and establish communication protocols when phone networks may be compromised.

Essential Components of Your Earthquake Safety Plan:

Identify safe spots in each room: Under sturdy tables, against interior walls away from windows, and clear of items that could fall
Establish meeting locations: One near your home for immediate gathering and another outside your neighborhood in case evacuation is necessary
Create a communication plan: Designate an out-of-state contact person all family members can call to check in
Document emergency contacts: Include numbers for local emergency services, utility companies, insurance providers, and medical contacts
Plan for pets: Assign responsibility for gathering pets and include pet supplies in your emergency kit
Account for special needs: Make specific arrangements for family members with disabilities, medical conditions, or mobility issues
Practice regularly: Conduct earthquake drills at least twice yearly, including practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”

Based on our experience helping families prepare, we typically recommend creating physical copies of your plan that are stored in multiple locations—including your emergency kit, vehicles, and with trusted neighbors or nearby family members.

Securing Your Home to Minimize Earthquake Damage

Structural and non-structural home modifications can significantly reduce earthquake-related damage and injury risk. A study by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute found that homes with proper seismic retrofitting experienced up to 50% less damage during moderate to severe earthquakes compared to similar non-retrofitted homes. While some modifications require professional assistance, many effective measures can be implemented as DIY projects.

Structural Home Improvements for Earthquake Safety:

Foundation bolting: Secure your home’s frame to its foundation using anchor bolts to prevent shifting during shaking
Cripple wall bracing: Reinforce short stud walls between the foundation and first floor with plywood sheathing
Soft-story retrofitting: Strengthen buildings with large openings on the first floor (like garages or large windows)
Chimney reinforcement: Brace masonry chimneys or consider replacing with more earthquake-resistant materials
Water heater strapping: Secure water heaters to wall studs using heavy-duty metal strapping

Non-Structural Safety Measures:

Secure heavy furniture: Anchor bookcases, entertainment centers, and tall furniture to wall studs
Install cabinet latches: Use childproof or earthquake-rated latches to prevent items from falling out during shaking
Secure hanging items: Use closed hooks for pictures, mirrors, and wall decorations
Apply safety film to windows: Prevent shattering glass with transparent safety film
Secure appliances: Use flexible connectors for gas appliances and secure refrigerators with straps
Rearrange heavy items: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and secure items that could become projectiles

We’ve observed that many homeowners focus primarily on emergency supplies while overlooking these crucial home modifications. In reality, these preventative measures often provide the greatest protection during an actual earthquake event and can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Building a Comprehensive Earthquake Emergency Kit

The aftermath of a significant earthquake often includes disrupted utilities, limited access to stores, and potential isolation for several days. According to the American Red Cross, households should prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours following a major earthquake, though many emergency management experts now recommend extending that preparation to 7-14 days, especially in high-risk areas.

Essential Earthquake Emergency Kit Components:

Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days (preferably two weeks)
Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items that don’t require cooking or refrigeration
Medications: At least a week’s supply of prescription medications and basic over-the-counter remedies
First aid supplies: A comprehensive kit including bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any specialized medical items
Lighting: Flashlights, headlamps, and light sticks (avoid candles due to fire risk after earthquakes)
Communication tools: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, cell phone chargers, whistles for signaling
Sanitation items: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags, plastic ties
Tools: Multi-purpose tool, work gloves, duct tape, plastic sheeting, basic tools for turning off utilities
Documents: Waterproof container with copies of important documents (insurance policies, identification, bank records)
Cash: Small bills and coins (ATMs and credit card systems may be unavailable)
Clothing: Change of clothes, sturdy shoes, rain gear, and blankets or sleeping bags
Pet supplies: Food, water, medications, carriers, and documentation for pets

For families with children, elderly members, or those with specific medical needs, we recommend customizing your kit with additional items like comfort objects for children, spare glasses, hearing aid batteries, or mobility device accessories.

What to Do During an Earthquake

The immediate actions you take when an earthquake begins can significantly impact your safety. Research from the Earthquake Country Alliance shows that most earthquake injuries occur when people try to move during shaking or are struck by falling or flying objects. The internationally recognized “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol has been proven to reduce injury rates during seismic events.

Indoor Earthquake Safety Actions:

DROP to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked down
COVER your head and neck with one arm, and if possible, get under a sturdy table or desk
HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows and cover your head and neck
Stay away from glass, exterior walls, and anything that could fall
Do NOT stand in a doorway (contrary to outdated advice)
Do NOT run outside during shaking

Outdoor Earthquake Safety Actions:

Move away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines
Get to an open area if possible
If driving, pull over to a clear location away from bridges, overpasses, and power lines
Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops

Many of the homeowners we work with are surprised to learn that doorways are no longer considered safe places during earthquakes in modern homes. This advice originated from experiences with adobe structures, where doorways were often the strongest part of the building—but this doesn’t apply to most contemporary construction.

After the Earthquake: Immediate Response Steps

The period immediately following an earthquake can be chaotic and potentially dangerous. According to data from the California Seismic Safety Commission, approximately 25% of earthquake-related injuries occur after the main shaking has stopped, often during cleanup or inspection activities. Having a clear post-earthquake action plan helps prevent additional injuries and addresses immediate safety concerns.

First Steps After an Earthquake:

Check for injuries: Provide first aid for minor injuries and seek help for serious conditions
Evaluate your surroundings: Look for hazards like broken glass, fallen objects, or structural damage
Check utilities: Inspect for gas leaks (smell, hissing sounds), water leaks, or electrical system damage
Turn off gas: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve and open windows
Be prepared for aftershocks: These can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the main earthquake
Listen for information: Use your battery-powered radio to get emergency information and instructions
Implement your communication plan: Contact your out-of-area emergency contact to report your status
Stay out of damaged buildings: Do not re-enter until they’ve been inspected and declared safe

Based on our experience working with earthquake-affected homeowners, we recommend conducting a preliminary home inspection from the outside first, looking for obvious structural damage before cautiously entering. If you notice significant damage like tilted walls, large cracks in the foundation, or a shifted roof, stay outside and seek professional assessment.

Long-Term Recovery Planning

Recovering from a significant earthquake often extends well beyond the immediate emergency response. The California Earthquake Authority reports that the average recovery period for homeowners after a major earthquake ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on damage severity and available resources. Financial preparation and understanding insurance options are critical components of effective earthquake planning.

Financial Preparedness for Earthquakes:

Understand your insurance: Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover earthquake damage
Consider earthquake insurance: Evaluate coverage options, deductibles, and exclusions
Document your property: Maintain an updated inventory of belongings with photos or video
Establish an emergency fund: Set aside savings specifically for emergency situations
Store financial documents securely: Keep digital and physical copies of important records
Research assistance programs: Familiarize yourself with FEMA assistance, SBA disaster loans, and other recovery resources

We typically advise homeowners to review their insurance coverage annually and adjust as needed based on home improvements, accumulated belongings, and changes in replacement costs. Many of our clients have found that creating a detailed home inventory using photos and a spreadsheet significantly streamlines the claims process after a disaster.

Special Considerations for Different Environments

Earthquake preparedness strategies need adjustment based on your specific living situation. High-rise buildings, coastal areas, rural communities, and urban centers each present unique challenges during and after seismic events. Tailoring your plan to your specific environment ensures more effective preparation.

High-Rise Buildings:

Identify multiple exit routes from your building
Be aware that fire alarms and sprinklers may activate during an earthquake
Expect potential elevator outages and prepare to use stairs
Stay away from exterior walls and windows during shaking

Coastal Areas:

Understand that earthquakes can trigger tsunamis with little warning
Know evacuation routes to higher ground
If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move inland or to higher elevation immediately
Include coastal hazard planning in your earthquake preparation

Rural Communities:

Prepare for potentially longer emergency response times
Consider more extensive emergency supplies (7-14 days minimum)
Have alternative communication methods (satellite phone, ham radio)
Develop community-based response plans with neighbors

For families living in rural areas, we’ve found that creating mutual aid agreements with neighbors can be particularly valuable. These informal arrangements might include sharing resources, checking on each other after an earthquake, or pooling tools and equipment for recovery efforts.

Earthquake Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups face heightened challenges during earthquake emergencies and require specialized planning. According to research from the Natural Hazards Center, vulnerable populations—including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children—often experience disproportionate impacts during disasters. Tailored preparation can help address these specific needs and ensure everyone’s safety.

Seniors and People with Disabilities:

Create a support network of people who can help during an emergency
Keep specialized equipment (mobility devices, hearing aids, etc.) secured but accessible
Prepare backup power sources for medical equipment
Wear a medical alert tag or bracelet with critical information
Create a detailed medical information sheet including conditions, medications, and healthcare providers

Families with Infants and Young Children:

Secure furniture and items in children’s rooms thoroughly
Practice age-appropriate earthquake drills regularly
Include comfort items, activities, and familiar snacks in emergency kits
Prepare extra supplies of formula, diapers, and medications
Teach children how to identify trusted adults if separated

When working with families that include members with special needs, we often recommend creating personalized emergency cards with essential information that can be kept in wallets, backpacks, or emergency kits. These cards should include medical conditions, communication preferences, and emergency contact information.

Technology Tools for Earthquake Preparedness

Modern technology offers valuable resources for earthquake preparation, warning, and recovery. The ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System, now operational along the West Coast, can provide seconds to tens of seconds of warning before shaking arrives at your location—enough time to take protective actions. Numerous apps and digital tools can also enhance your overall earthquake readiness.

Useful Earthquake Preparedness Apps and Tools:

FEMA App: Provides alerts, safety tips, and shelter locations
MyShake App: Delivers ShakeAlert® earthquake early warnings in supported regions
Earthquake Alert Apps: QuakeAlert, Earthquake Network, and similar services
Safety Check Features: Facebook and other platforms offer ways to mark yourself safe
Home Inventory Apps: Digital tools for cataloging and documenting your belongings
Emergency Communication Tools: Apps that can function without cellular service

We’ve noticed that many families benefit from setting up automated emergency alerts on their phones and ensuring all family members know how to use basic emergency features like the SOS function available on many smartphones, which can call emergency services even when the phone is locked.

Building Community Resilience

Individual preparation is essential, but community-level resilience significantly impacts overall earthquake recovery outcomes. Research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology shows that communities with strong social connections and established emergency networks recover more quickly from disasters. Getting involved in local preparedness efforts benefits both your family and your broader community.

Ways to Build Community Earthquake Resilience:

Participate in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training
Connect with neighborhood watch or emergency preparedness groups
Attend local emergency preparedness events and workshops
Share resources and knowledge with neighbors, especially those with special needs
Advocate for seismic safety improvements in community buildings and infrastructure
Organize community-wide earthquake drills and information sessions

For apartment dwellers and those in multi-unit buildings, we recommend working with property managers or homeowners associations to develop building-specific earthquake response plans. These should include clear evacuation routes, utility shutoff locations, and designated meeting areas.

Conclusion: Making Earthquake Preparedness a Priority

Earthquake preparedness isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular review and updates. By understanding your risk, securing your home, assembling emergency supplies, knowing proper safety actions, and planning for recovery, you significantly increase your resilience to earthquake impacts. While we can’t predict exactly when earthquakes will strike, we can control how prepared we are when they do.

At Batten Home Security, we’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation creates peace of mind and real protection for families in earthquake-prone regions. Taking action now—before an earthquake occurs—is the most effective way to protect your home, your loved ones, and your community.

Want to enhance your home’s earthquake readiness with expert-recommended safety tools? Browse Batten’s curated selection of emergency preparation products to help protect what matters most when earthquakes and other emergencies strike.

Sources used for this article:

Earthquake Country Alliance, “Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety”, https://www.earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps/

Federal Emergency Management Agency, “Earthquake Safety at Home”, https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/earthquake/safety-home

U.S. Geological Survey, “Earthquake Hazards Program”, https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards

American Red Cross, “Earthquake Preparedness”, https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html