Earthquakes strike suddenly and unpredictably – they can happen anywhere on Earth “and there is no way to predict them”. While we can’t control the ground beneath our feet, we can take action to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. By planning ahead, gathering supplies, and practicing the right moves, you’ll gain confidence and resilience. This guide walks you through what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, with clear steps and a handy checklist to keep you ready.
Before an Earthquake: Plan and Prepare
Mother and child in Haiti after an earthquake. Discussing plans together and having a kit on hand can help families stay calm and safe when quakes happen.
Being prepared is like having a shield against uncertainty. First, make a plan. Decide on evacuation routes and safe meeting spots (for home, work, school) in case you get separated. Choose an out-of-area contact person – someone outside your city who everyone can check in with if local phone networks are down. Keep important phone numbers written down (in case phones die).
Next, learn safe spots in your home. Identify sturdy tables or desks to get under, and interior corners away from windows and heavy objects. Practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill with your household so it becomes automatic when shaking starts. For example, drop to your knees, cover your head/neck under a table, and hold on until the tremors stop.
Then secure your space. Anchor tall bookcases, cabinets, and appliances (like water heaters and refrigerators) to walls using straps or brackets so they won’t topple. Move heavy objects off high shelves. Don’t laugh – securing these items could save you or a loved one from injury.
Finally, assemble emergency supplies. Gather at least three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food per person, along with necessary medications. Your kit should also include a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, sturdy shoes (for broken glass), and a whistle. Don’t forget a first-aid kit, masks (for dust), and, if relevant, pet food or special items (formula, diapers) for vulnerable household members. Store copies of IDs, insurance papers, and cash in a safe, waterproof container. Keep these items in a convenient spot so you can grab your kit and go if needed.
- Create an Emergency Kit: 3 days of water/food per person, plus medicine, first-aid kit, flashlight, radio, batteries, and sturdy shoes.
- Communication Plan: Decide on evacuation routes and meeting points. List contact info and one reliable out-of-area friend or relative everyone will notify.
- Secure Your Home: Strap bookcases, appliances, mirrors, etc. to walls so they can’t fall. Move heavy objects away from places people sit or sleep.
- Safe Spots: Identify places to “drop and hide” in each room (e.g. under a sturdy desk or against an inside wall). Make sure everyone knows these spots.
- Know Shut-Offs: Learn how to turn off gas, electricity, and water at main valves – label them so you can act fast if you smell gas or see a leak.
- Stay Connected: Keep phones charged and have a backup battery. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for news.
Above all, practice regularly. Run family drills (at home, in school, even in the office) so that when the ground starts shaking, you don’t have to think – you just do. Remember: the CDC says “the key to surviving an earthquake… lies in planning, preparing, and practicing”. Your future self will thank you for all that practice.
During an Earthquake: Stay Safe
When the shaking starts, don’t panic – focus on protection. Follow these guidelines:
- If you’re indoors: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees to stay low. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk (or with your arms if no furniture is available). Hold on to the shelter until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, bookcases, overhead lighting, and anything that could fall. If you’re in bed when it hits, stay there and protect your head with a pillow.
- If you’re outdoors: Move quickly to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, trees and power lines. Drop to the ground and cover your head with your arms. The risk from falling debris is greatest near structures.
- If you’re driving: Pull over safely (away from bridges, overpasses, trees or signs) and stop. Remain inside the car with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking ends. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and stay away from buildings or utility wires.
Whatever you do, stay put until the shaking stops. Many people get hurt by rushing outside through falling debris. Remember, running is not safer than staying sheltered under cover. If you feel multiple tremors (aftershocks), be ready to drop-cover-hold on again. Experts warn that aftershocks can “bring down buildings that have been compromised” in the first quake.
By following these simple steps, you significantly reduce your chance of injury. It’s a calm, practiced reflex that can make all the difference.
After an Earthquake: Recover and Reconnect
A family in Turkey after an earthquake. Checking for injuries, avoiding hazards, and staying connected to news and loved ones are vital in the quake’s aftermath.
The shaking is over – now what? First, stay safe. Take a deep breath before moving.
- Check for injuries: Look yourself and others for cuts, bruises or worse. Administer first aid as needed. If anyone is seriously hurt, call for medical help or get to a hospital as soon as you safely can.
- Move carefully to safety: Before re-entering any building, assess the damage. Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris. If your building appears unsafe (cracks, leaning walls, gas smell), get out. Go to an open area away from structures – watch out for fallen power lines, toppled trees or other hazards. If you’re near the coast, remember that tsunamis can follow big quakes; immediately move to higher ground without waiting for an official warning.
- Avoid fires and gas leaks: Aftershocks can break gas lines or electrical wiring. If you hear hissing or smell gas (rotten egg smell), turn off the gas valve outside and get everyone out of the building. Do not light matches, candles or turn on electrical switches until you are absolutely sure there are no leaks. (Flashlights are safe to use instead.)
- Stay informed: Use your battery-powered radio or phone (sparingly) to get official news about aftershocks, road closures, or shelters. Let family and friends know you’re okay when you can – sending a text or social media message is often quicker and less busy than a voice call. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled; help each other out if it’s safe to do so.
- Be patient with aftershocks: Expect that smaller quakes may follow. If you feel shaking again, drop, cover, and hold on immediately.
- Take care of yourself: It’s normal to feel shaken up (physically and emotionally). Rest when you can, stay hydrated, and eat nourishing food. Try to sleep even if it’s hard – a calm brain recovers faster. Talk about your experience with loved ones. If you or your family members feel very anxious or overwhelmed, remember that help is available. You are not alone.
Even though the moment of greatest danger has passed, these steps keep you safe and speed your recovery. By acting calmly and helping others, you turn a chaotic moment into a demonstration of resilience.
Earthquake Preparedness Checklist
Keep this checklist handy – perhaps posted on your fridge or in your emergency kit. Go through it together with your family so everyone knows the plan:
- Emergency Kit: Water (3 days’ supply, 1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food. Include a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, whistle, dust masks, and sturdy shoes.
- Safe Spots & Drills: Identify safe places (under tables, against inside walls) in each room and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” at least once a year. Run a quick family drill so it becomes second nature.
- Family Communication: List emergency contacts (including an out-of-area person) and program them into everyone’s phones. Decide on meeting points in case you can’t return home.
- Home Safety: Secure tall furniture and heavy appliances to the walls. Know how to shut off gas, electricity, and water, and label those valves. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
- Important Documents: Keep copies (paper or digital) of IDs, insurance policies, medical info, and phone lists in a waterproof, fireproof container. Store some emergency cash in small bills, since ATMs may not work.
- Tools & Gear: Keep a wrench or valve key near utility shut-offs. Include a whistle, work gloves, and basic tools in your kit.
- Stay Informed: Know how to receive emergency alerts (radio, apps, sirens) in your area, and sign up for any local warning systems if available.
- Special Needs: If you have infants, elderly, pets, or anyone with disabilities, plan for their needs too (extra medications, pet food, mobility aids, etc.).
- Community: Talk with neighbors about an informal “buddy system” to check on each other, especially the vulnerable.
By following these steps and keeping your kit updated, you’ll be ready to face an earthquake with clear heads and confident actions. Remember: Preparedness builds strength and calm. You CAN do this – and each step you take now makes you safer tomorrow.