How to Prepare for an Earthquake
- Interest ServeOn
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
Earthquakes occur without warning, and their results can be devastating. It is a
sensitive topic that many people often prefer not to discuss or even think
about.
Still, as earthquake responders who have advised communities in areas prone
to frequent earthquakes, we can tell you that being prepared is the most
critical factor in reducing harm and injury.
Earthquakes cannot be stopped. However, their effects can be mitigated
through planning, learning, and simple safety measures.
This guide outlines essential steps to take before, during, and after an
earthquake. If you live in California, Japan, Turkey, or any area near a fault line,
these tips can help you stay safe when the ground begins to shake.
Understanding the Risk
Earthquakes occur when large sections of the Earth's crust move, releasing
energy that travels through the ground. Areas along fault lines—such as the
San Andreas Fault in California or the North Anatolian Fault in Turkey—are at
higher risk. However, even places with a low chance of ground movement can
have damaging tremors.
You can check your earthquake risk by looking at the United States Geological
Survey (USGS) Earthquake Map (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/) or your
country's ground agency.
Before an Earthquake: Be Prepared
Make an Emergency Plan
Every home should have a clear emergency plan:
Meeting points: Choose one close to your neighbourhood and one outside it.
Contact information: Write down emergency contacts, including a relative who lives out of state. The electronic gadgets need charging, and electricity may not be readily available after an earthquake.
Escape paths: Know the safest ways to leave your home or building.
Build an Emergency Kit
Your earthquake emergency kit should be easy to carry and last at least 72 hours. To be safe, we recommend a minimum of 1 week.
Include:
Bottled water (2 litres per person per day)
Food that does not spoil and a can opener, be aware of anyone with allergies.
Glasses, walking sticks…
Flashlights/head torches with extra batteries
First aid items
Medicines/inhalers and personal cleaning items
If you are living with someone who is receiving care, please bring their Care Plan.
Whistle (to call for help)
Important papers (IDs, insurance)
Cash in small bills
Wind-up radio to stay up to date with news, and a wind-up torch.
Masks and gloves
Power, a generator if affordable, otherwise power banks to charge phones and the like.
Consider learning First Aid skills, such as CPR, beforehand.
Prepare your car. Place some essential items, such as water and clothes, and ensure you top up the car with fuel whenever possible.
Secure Your Home
Many injuries during earthquakes come from falling furniture or broken glass.
Bolt bookshelves and tall furniture to the wall.
Put latches on cabinet doors.
Place heavy items on lower shelves.
Anchor your water heater and secure gas appliances.
Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Keep fire extinguishers in accessible locations throughout the house.
Consider hiring a structural engineer for a home inspection if you live in an older building.
Educate and Train
Do regular earthquake drills with your family or coworkers. Practice the “Drop Cover, and Hold On” method:
Drop to your hands and knees
Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or against an inside wall
Hold on until the shaking stops
Schools and workplaces should conduct similar drills at least twice a year. In family homes, be sure to train your children as well.
When an earthquake happens, your reactions and preparation matter: Stay Calm and React Wisely
Indoors: Stay inside. Drop, cover, and hold on. Do not run outside—falling debris is dangerous.
Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, and power lines.
Driving: Pull over to a safe spot away from overpasses, bridges, and buildings. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.
Please refrain from using elevators and avoid using your phone unless it is for emergencies. Listen to emergency broadcasts on a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
After an Earthquake: Stay Safe and Help Others
Check for Injuries and Hazards
Give first aid to anyone hurt.
Check for gas leaks (by smell or a hissing sound) and turn off the valve if necessary.
Look for fallen power lines and damaged structures.
Do not light candles until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
Expect Aftershocks
Aftershocks can be almost as strong as the first quake. Be ready to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” again.
Stay Informed
Use a portable radio, emergency alerts, or trusted apps (like the Red Cross) for updates. Authorities will give instructions about leaving or aid centres.
Inspect Your Home
Carefully inspect the structure for any damage. Do not go into buildings that
appear unstable. Contact a professional for review before moving back into a
damaged home.
Psychological Impact: Earthquakes can cause distress and worry, especially among children. Discuss openly what happened, offer comfort, and seek professional help if needed. Schools and community groups can offer support services after the event.
Community Preparedness
Individual actions are important, but community teamwork makes everyone
stronger. Join or form a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), set up
neighbourhood drills, and attend local preparedness workshops.
Free, Copyright-Free Image Resources
Being prepared is not just for people living in major earthquake areas—it’s for
everyone. Earthquakes can happen without warning, and the steps you take
today could save lives tomorrow. Start with your family, teach your
community, and speak up for better buildings and emergency response
systems. As a seismologist, I have witnessed both the devastation that comes
from being unprepared and the strength that comes from being prepared.
Your safety is in your hands.
To show earthquake preparedness steps, here are some sources of free images
you can use in presentations, blogs, or learning materials:
Unsplash – Good quality, free images including natural disasters and
emergency kits.
Pixabay – Offers photos, drawings, and illustrations without needing to say
where they came from.
Pexels – A good selection of home safety and emergency pictures.
FEMA Image Library – Free public domain photos from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, especially helpful for disaster-related
content.
CDC Public Health Image Library (PHIL) – Includes relevant safety and
emergency images.
U.S. Geological Survey Multimedia Gallery – Good for earthquake maps, fault
lines, and ground movement pictures.
Be sure to check each platform’s rules for use, though most listed here are safe
for free and business use with no mention of the source needed.
Comments