Earthquake Safety Tips: Before, During, and After
Updated 2026
This guide summarizes widely recommended earthquake safety practices from public disaster-preparedness agencies. It's general educational information, not a substitute for guidance from your local emergency management authority.
Before an earthquake
- Secure heavy furniture, bookshelves, and water heaters to wall studs so they can't tip over.
- Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity at the main valves/breakers.
- Keep an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid supplies, and a battery or hand-crank radio.
- Agree on a family meeting point and an out-of-area emergency contact, since local phone networks can become congested after a major quake.
During an earthquake
If you're indoors
The widely taught response is Drop, Cover, and Hold On: drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows and tall unsecured furniture.
If you're outdoors
Move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees, then drop and cover your head and neck until the shaking stops.
If you're driving
Pull over away from bridges, overpasses, and power lines, stop, and stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.
If you're in bed
Stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow rather than trying to run to another room, unless you're under something that could fall directly on you.
After an earthquake
- Expect aftershocks — they can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the main event and are sometimes strong enough to cause additional damage to weakened structures.
- Check yourself and others for injuries before moving around.
- Inspect for gas leaks (smell or hissing sound) and shut off the gas supply if you suspect one, then leave the area and report it.
- Avoid damaged buildings until authorities confirm they're safe to re-enter.
- Use text messages or messaging apps instead of voice calls where possible — they're more likely to get through when networks are congested.
- Follow official updates from your local emergency management agency rather than unverified social media reports.
Track current activity
You can monitor current earthquake activity worldwide on our live earthquake tracker, and learn how to read magnitude figures correctly in our magnitude guide.