While the big earthquakes make headlines, it’s the smaller quakes that serve as a reminder that homeowners must be ready. After all, dozens of earthquakes happen around the world every day. So knowing how to plan for an earthquake – before, during, and after can help you protect your home and family. Here are our tips.
How to prepare your house for an earthquake
Earthquakes are unpredictable, so preparing for an earthquake requires forethought. For example, you can buttress your home against seismic activity by:
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Securing items with adhesives. Identify items that might fall during the shaking and secure them with earthquake putty.
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Using furniture straps. Furniture straps are durable nylon straps you can install to secure heavy furniture during a quake so it’s less likely to topple over.
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Placing and securing hanging decor. Keep mirrors, artwork, and other hanging decorations away from areas that get lots of use, like a bed or couch. Also makes sure they are properly secured.
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Checking the exterior of your home. Walk around your home and make sure nothing is perched precariously or improperly fastened.
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Getting a fire extinguisher. Not only should you have a fire extinguisher in your home, but you should learn how to use it.
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Find your utility shut off valves. You need to know where the shut off valves are for gas, electric, and water in case you need to turn utilities off for safety reasons.
While these are good steps to guard against potential earthquake damage, they’re also good steps to take for general safety as well. For example, knowing how to shut off your utilities is an important part of being a responsible homeowner.
How to prepare yourself for an earthquake
Getting yourself ready for an earthquake starts with an earthquake preparedness kit. Your earthquake kit, also called an emergency or disaster kit, has essential items you may not be able to access after a natural disaster.
Ready.gov recommends putting together enough supplies to last you several days in an easy-to-carry disaster kit in case you need to evacuate. You can keep a kit at the house, in your car, and at work because you never know where you’ll be when an earthquake happens.
A minimal earthquake kit for three days should include:
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Water (one gallon per person per day)
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Food (a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
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NOAA Weather Radio (battery-powered, solar, or hand crank)
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Flashlight
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First-aid kit
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Extra batteries
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Emergency whistle
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Dust mask (one for each person)
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Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
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Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
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Wrench or pliers (including utility shut off wrench)
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Can opener
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Local maps
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Cell phone charger
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Pet food and water
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Medication and eye glasses (extra in case you can’t get to yours)
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Cash (small bills and change)
In addition to an earthquake kit, experts also recommend keeping a two week supply of food, water, and emergency items in an accessible location in your home.
The next step is to practice the correct response to an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on. As soon as you feel earthquake tremors, you should:
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Stop what you’re doing and drop to the ground.
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Cover your head from anything that might fall on you.
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Hold on to something.
How this works in practice depends on where you are when an earthquake hits. If you’re in bed, hold onto the bed post with a pillow over your head for protection. If you’re anywhere else inside, then simply drop to the ground, crawl under sturdy furniture, like a wooden dining room table, and hold the leg. (While crouching under doorways was a go-to recommendation a long time ago, the Red Cross warns that doorways aren’t stronger than any other part of your house.)
If you are outside when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, utility wires, and gas lines. If you are in your car, get as far away from traffic as possible. When possible, stop in an open area where power lines and structures are less likely to fall on you. Do not stop on bridges, in tunnels, or under large trees.
The last step to prepare for an earthquake? Talk to your insurer about earthquake coverage. A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover earthquake damage.
Additional safety tips
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Review precautions from the California Earthquake Authority.
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Have a pre-planned meetup spot to meet with family members if you’re apart when an earthquake occurs.
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Know where you can take shelter if your home is damaged.
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Avoid using matches, candles, or other open flames in case the earthquake caused a gas leak.
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Avoid elevators, chimneys, and damaged buildings until you’re sure they’re safe.
How to know if an earthquake is coming
There isn’t a way to know the date, time, location, or magnitude of an earthquake before it happens. But the US Geological Survey’s ShakeAlert can detect ground movement in California, Oregon and Washington once a quake has begun. Using a network of sensors and technical partners, ShakeAlert can warn people so they can take measures rapidly.
