🌍 Earthquake Safety Guide
What to do during an earthquake and how to prepare your home.
Earthquakes strike without warning. Knowing what to do in the critical seconds can save your life.
During an Earthquake
•Drop, Cover, Hold On — Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on
•Stay away from windows, outside walls, and anything that could fall
•If in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow
•If outdoors, move to a clear area away from buildings and power lines
•If in a car, pull over to a clear area and stay in the vehicle
Preparing Your Home
•Secure heavy furniture to walls (bookshelves, water heaters, refrigerators)
•Install latches on cabinets to prevent doors from flying open
•Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity
•Store heavy items on lower shelves
•Keep an emergency kit near your bed
After an Earthquake
•Check for injuries and damage
•Be prepared for aftershocks
•Check gas lines — if you smell gas, shut off the main valve and leave
•Do not use elevators
•Use text messages instead of phone calls to keep lines clear
Key Resources
•USGS Earthquake Hazards Program: earthquake.usgs.gov
•ShakeAlert: West Coast early warning system
•Great ShakeOut: Annual earthquake drill — shakeout.org