Your Free Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Guide

Understanding Earthquake Basics and Risk Assessment

Earthquakes happen when energy stored in Earth's crust suddenly releases. The ground shakes, sometimes violently, and this movement can damage buildings, roads, and other structures. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States experiences about 20,000 earthquakes per year, though most are too small to feel. However, major earthquakes do occur—the 1906 San Francisco earthquake measured 7.9 in magnitude and killed approximately 3,000 people, while the 1964 Alaska earthquake reached 9.2 magnitude, the strongest recorded in North America.

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Your earthquake risk depends on where you live. The West Coast, particularly California, experiences the most seismic activity due to the San Andreas Fault system. However, earthquakes can happen in unexpected places. The 2011 earthquake centered in Virginia, far from any major fault line, was felt across the entire East Coast and reminded people that no region is completely safe. The Pacific Northwest faces significant risk from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which could produce a magnitude 9.0 earthquake.

Understanding your local risk involves knowing which faults are nearby and what magnitude earthquakes your area has experienced historically. The USGS maintains detailed maps showing earthquake hazard zones. Areas with higher hazard ratings experience more frequent earthquakes or have the potential for larger ones. Knowing your risk level helps you understand why preparation matters and what types of damage might occur in your region.

Different areas face different earthquake dangers. Coastal regions might experience earthquakes and tsunamis together. Areas built on soft soil or landfill may experience more damage than areas on bedrock. Older buildings with poor construction standards face greater risk of collapse. Understanding these local factors helps you focus your preparation efforts on realistic scenarios.

Practical takeaway: Visit the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program website and enter your zip code to learn your area's earthquake risk level and historical earthquake activity. This information guides how seriously you should take preparation in your specific location.

Creating a Family Communication and Meeting Plan

When an earthquake strikes, family members may be separated—some at work, some at school, some at home. Immediately after an earthquake, phone systems become overloaded, making calls difficult or impossible. However, text messages often go through when calls cannot because they require less bandwidth. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends establishing a family communication plan before an earthquake occurs so everyone knows what to do without needing to call each other in the moment.

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Your plan should include choosing an out-of-state contact person. During a local disaster, long-distance lines often work better than local ones because calls get routed differently through the phone system. This person should be someone your family can reach and who can relay messages between separated family members. Write down this person's phone number and keep it with you—don't rely only on your phone's contact list, as phones can be damaged or lost. Each family member should know this number by memory if possible.

Establish meeting locations for different scenarios. If an earthquake happens while family members are at home, you might meet in your front yard or at a specific park. If it happens during school or work, family members should meet at a predetermined location that doesn't require crossing damaged areas. For example, if your child is at school near your home, the school may be the logical meeting point. If you work far from home, identify a location between work and home where you could meet.

Document important information your family might need after an earthquake. Store copies of insurance policies, medical records, prescription lists, and identification documents in a waterproof container. Keep digital copies on a cloud storage service. Make sure older children know basic information like their full legal names, birthdates, and any medical conditions. Young children might wear identification bracelets or carry cards with their name and an emergency contact number.

Practical takeaway: Hold a family meeting this week to discuss your earthquake plan. Write down the out-of-state contact number and meeting locations. Practice the plan by testing whether everyone can recite the contact number and describe the meeting locations. Review it annually and update it if circumstances change.

Securing Your Home and Workplace

During an earthquake, unsecured objects become dangerous projectiles. Medical studies of earthquake injuries show that falling objects cause a significant portion of injuries and deaths. A 400-pound water heater can slide across the floor and topple onto someone. A bookshelf can fall forward and crush a person underneath. Heavy picture frames can fall from walls. Understanding what can move and securing it reduces injury risk substantially.

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Water heaters should be secured to wall studs using metal strapping or earthquake-rated bracing systems. This is one of the most important home modifications because water heaters commonly topple during earthquakes, breaking gas connections and causing fires. The cost of professional installation typically ranges from $100 to $300 and can prevent thousands of dollars in fire damage. Some insurance companies offer discounts for earthquake-resistant modifications, and some municipalities offer rebates or free services for low-income residents.

Large furniture like cabinets, dressers, bookshelves, and entertainment centers should be anchored to wall studs using L-brackets or specialized furniture straps. The American Red Cross recommends anchoring anything that could cause injury if it fell. For renters who cannot bolt items to walls, there are flexible strapping systems that work with tension and don't damage walls. These cost $20 to $60 per item. Test the strap before an earthquake by trying to tip the furniture—it should not move.

Inside cabinets and storage areas, heavier items should be on lower shelves. Store glassware and breakable items in lower cabinets with door locks or childproof latches that keep doors closed during shaking. In kitchens, cabinet doors should have latches. For workplace safety, secure computer monitors and equipment to desks, and ensure heavy items on shelves are secured or positioned so they won't fall on people below.

Practical takeaway: Walk through your home with a checklist. Identify the three heaviest or most dangerous items that could fall. Secure at least one of them this month. Examples might be your water heater, a tall bookshelf, or a filing cabinet. YouTube videos demonstrate proper installation of straps and brackets for common items.

Assembling and Maintaining an Earthquake Supply Kit

After a major earthquake, utilities may not work for days or weeks. Roads may be damaged, preventing supply trucks from reaching your area. Stores may be closed or out of stock. Emergency services may be overwhelmed and unable to reach everyone immediately. Having essential supplies at home means you and your family can meet basic needs while waiting for outside help to arrive. The Red Cross recommends having supplies to last at least three days, though longer is better if space allows.

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Water is the most critical supply. The general guideline is one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. For a family of four, that's 12 gallons for three days, or 36 gallons for a month. Store water in food-grade containers in a cool, dark place. Tap water in sealed containers lasts indefinitely. Commercially bottled water typically lasts five years. Keep a manual can opener, as electric ones won't work if power is out. Store at least a two-week supply of non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration, such as canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, and dried fruit.

Medical supplies should include a first aid kit, prescription medications in their original labeled bottles with a three-month supply if possible, over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and antacids, and any medical equipment your family needs like inhalers or glucose meters. Keep a list of medication names, dosages, and allergies. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication, and antacids. Store medications in a cool, dry place and rotate them annually to maintain freshness.

Other essential supplies include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a battery-powered flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, a phone charger that doesn't require electricity (solar or hand-crank options cost $20 to $40), a multi-tool or knife, matches or a lighter in a waterproof container, and a whistle to signal for help if trapped. Include copies of important documents, cash in small bills (ATMs won't work), and change for phones. Pets need supplies too—store pet food, water, medications, and