Guide · Safety and emergencies

Earthquake Readiness

A friendly, practical guide to securing your space, knowing what to do when the shaking starts, and staying safe afterward.

Download the PDF

5 pages · PDF · 258 KB · free forever, no sign up needed

Where to start

Shaking right now?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On. See when the shaking starts.
Smell gas or hear a hiss after a quake?
Get everyone out and call the gas company from outside. See gas and utilities after a quake.
Getting ready ahead of time?
Work through the household readiness checklist.

The short version

Earthquakes give no warning, and most injuries come from things falling over. A little preparation goes a long way.

Anchor tall furniture and televisions where permitted, strap the water heater, and keep heavy items on low shelves.

When shaking starts: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay inside until the shaking stops, and expect aftershocks.

Only shut off gas if you smell gas or hear a leak, and let the gas company turn it back on. Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.

Rules about anchoring, repairs and insurance differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.

Four simple rules

1
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
2
Secure what could fall
Anchor tall furniture and televisions, and keep heavy things on low shelves.
3
Stay inside while it shakes
Don’t run outside during shaking. Most injuries happen when people try to move.
4
Gas off only if you smell it
Shut off gas only if you smell gas or hear a leak. Then let the gas company turn it back on.

Try it

Household readiness checklist

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

0 of 7

Drop, Cover, and Hold On practiced with everyone, including where to go in each room
Asked about anchoring tall furniture and televisions, with anti tip straps where permitted
Heavy and breakable items on low shelves, mirrors and art away from beds and couches
Sturdy shoes and a flashlight by the bed
Kit built with water, food, medicine, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a radio and chargers
Meeting place and an out of area contact chosen, and everyone knows them
Gas meter, water shutoff and electrical panel found

When the shaking starts

Drop to your hands and knees wherever you are, before the shaking can knock you down.
Cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table or desk if one is close.
Hold on until the shaking stops. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
When it stops, check yourself and others for injuries, and put on sturdy shoes.
Expect aftershocks. If the building is damaged, or you smell gas, get out carefully and call for help from outside.
Text family that you are safe, take photos of any damage, and share it in writing.

If you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines if you can do so safely, then drop, cover and hold on. You did exactly the right thing.

Gas and utilities after a quake

If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window if you can, get everyone out and call the gas company from outside.
Only shut off the gas if you suspect a leak.
Once it is off, only the gas company should turn it back on.
Please don’t use matches, lighters or candles after a quake until you know there is no gas leak.

Keep the gas shutoff wrench tied right next to the meter. When someone needs it, they won’t have to search a dark garage for it.

Handy to have

Things this guide mentions

This guide asks for anti tip straps on tall furniture where permitted, a flashlight by the bed and a first aid kit in your earthquake kit. These are examples only. Please pick what fits your home, ask before attaching anything to walls, and follow the maker’s instructions.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Some links may earn us a commission. See our disclosure.

Printable checklist

Like it on paper?

The printable checklist for this guide is fillable, with a screen version and an ink saver print version. Keep it on your phone or pin it to the fridge.

Get the printable checklist

Sold on Payhip.

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in, one topic at a time, to help any home stay warm, safe and dry through every season.

See The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook All books in The Perfect Series

Keep the full guide handy

The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.

Download the PDF

From the Bunklow shop

Take it with you

The Perfect Emergency Ready Checklist WorkbookA fillable workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.
See it in the shop

Sold on Payhip.

More guides

Safety and emergenciesSnow and Ice Safety

Safety and emergenciesChildproofing Your Home

Safety and emergenciesDrinking Water Quality

See all guides

This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal, insurance, medical or safety-code advice. Always follow the instructions of local officials. Bunklow does not inspect properties or make repairs.