What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake

What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake

Recent earthquakes remind us that we live on a restless planet. But there are many important things we can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, and our families.

Before an Earthquake

It is important for individuals, families, organizations, and communities to identify their risk, make a plan, create a disaster kit, and remove, relocate, or secure anything that can:

• Fall and hurt someone

• Fall and block an exit

• Fall and start a fire

• Require a lengthy or costly clean-up

During an Earthquake

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

DO NOT RUN OUT OF THE BUILDING DURING THE SHAKING AS OBJECTS MAY BE FALLING OFF THE BUILDING AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.

For more information, visit What to do During an Earthquake and ShakeOut.

After an Earthquake

Safely evacuate. Please note that aftershocks could happen. These additional shaking events can be strong enough to do additional damage to already weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the main earthquake. Have a professional engineer or local building official inspect the structural integrity of your home and/or building for potential damages. This should also include:

• Inspecting your chimney for unnoticed damage that could lead to fires. Even a few cracks not obvious at first glance can create an unsafe condition the next time the fire place is used.

• Checking for gas, electrical, sewer, and water line damages to avoid fire and hazardous leaks.

Also visit the EarthquakeSafety Guide for Homeowners and FEMA Earthquake.

Article posted from FEMA flyer - available here in the "Documents" tab.