What to Do Before an Earthquake1) Be informed and make a plan
Create an Emergency Communication Plan
Choose an out-of-state contact (a friend or relative) for each household member to check in with after an earthquake. Long-distance calls may go through more easily than local calls when networks are overloaded, and your contact can help coordinate communication if you’re separated.
Make sure everyone:
- Knows the emergency contact’s phone number
- Has a charged cell phone (or access to a prepaid calling card)
- Saves the contact as ICE (In Case of Emergency) in their phone
- Let the contact know they’ve been listed as an emergency contact
2) Build an emergency kit
Aim for at least three days of supplies for each person in your household:
- Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (drinking + sanitation)
- Food: at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable items
- Radio: battery-powered or hand-crank radio, plus NOAA weather radio (with extra batteries)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape (shelter-in-place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers to shut off utilities
- Manual can opener
- Local maps
- Cell phone chargers, an inverter, or a solar charger
What to Do During an Earthquake
The best action: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Drop to your hands and knees so the shaking doesn’t knock you down.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Hold on to a sturdy cover (like a desk or table) until the shaking stops.
Important safety notes:
- Do not run outside.
- Do not stand in a doorway. Doorways don’t reliably protect you from flying or falling debris.
- Stay away from windows, glass, exterior walls, and heavy objects that could fall (light fixtures, shelves, furniture).
If it’s safe to move, crawl under a sturdy desk or table. If not, an interior wall, corner, or low furniture may offer additional protection—just keep clear of anything that could topple.
If you can’t get safely to the floor
Move to an inside corner away from windows and items that could fall, and get as low as possible.
If you use a wheelchair or mobility device: lock wheels, stay seated, and protect your head and neck with your arms—or a pillow, book, or any available item.
If you’re in bed
Stay in bed and cover your head and neck with a pillow. In the dark, debris and hazards are difficult to see—trying to move often causes more injuries than staying put.
If you’re outside
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in an open area, Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. In dense urban areas, you may need to take cover near an interior wall inside a nearby building to avoid falling debris.
If you’re in a moving vehicle
Pull over as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, bridges, and power lines. After shaking stops, drive cautiously and avoid roads or ramps that may be damaged.
What to Do After an Earthquake
- When the shaking stops, look for a safe path out. If possible, leave the building and go to an open area away from damage.
- If you’re trapped, stay still and avoid kicking up dust.
- If you have a phone, call or text for help (texts may go through when calls don’t).
- Use a whistle, or tap on a pipe or wall to help rescuers locate you.
- Monitor updates through a battery-powered radio, TV, local alerts, and trusted social media sources.
- Expect aftershocks—be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.
Listen to local officials
Know your community’s emergency plans and follow directions from state and local emergency management agencies. During any emergency, official guidance should be your primary source of instruction.
Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It?
Earthquake insurance can help cover repair or rebuilding costs that standard homeowners and renters policies typically don’t include. Whether it’s worth it depends on factors like your location, proximity to faults, building type, savings, and risk tolerance.
Request a quick earthquake insurance review to understand your options and get a quote tailored to your home and budget.