Earthquakes are scary, there is no doubt about that. But we cannot just get rid of earthquakes with wishful thinking.

Knowing what to do before and during an earthquake can help alleviate some of the fears around earthquakes while keeping you and your loved ones safe. This article covers both preparation steps and the actual steps to take during an earthquake.

Know the Risks

Before getting started, it is important to know when and where earthquakes are least and most common.

When do earthquakes occur? Earthquakes can happen at any time and are not more likely during one month than any other.

Where do earthquakes occur? Countries like China, Japan, Indonesia, and Iran have the most earthquakes. In the United States, California and Alaska have the most earthquakes on average. Other states with notably high seismic activity include Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Oregon.

What are the most common earthquake injuries? Most casualties and injuries from earthquakes occur when people fall while trying to walk or run during shaking, or from getting struck by household items or non-structural debris. Individuals may also get trapped by walls or other parts of the building that collapse.

Before an Earthquake: Preparation

Preparation is key in life, and staying safe during an earthquake is no exception. Here are four steps to ensure earthquake readiness.

1. Secure Your Space

Secure items that might fall and cause injury. Earthquake hazards include bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures, paintings, various decorative pieces, and more. Anchor heavy furniture to walls and make sure heavy items are stored on lower shelves.

2. Plan to Be Safe

Create a disaster plan and decide how your family will communicate with one another during the emergency. Identify safe spots in each room and establish a meeting point outside the home.

3. Gather Important Supplies and Other Necessities

Like with any disaster, you can be best prepared by gathering important supplies in one secure place. Store water, food, whistles to signal for help, flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, and more. When creating a supply list, refer to Ready.gov to build a kit that covers every base.

4. Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the procedure that everyone should take as soon as shaking is felt. Get familiar with the procedure and practice it with children to make sure they know exactly what to do.

During an Earthquake: Survive

Now let us move on to what you need to do if shaking starts. If you have children, tell or yell to remind them to perform the Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedure. Then perform the procedure yourself.

Here is how experts advise you to perform the method:

  • Drop onto your hands and knees so the earthquake does not knock you down
  • Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris. If hazards are nearby and you are able to move, crawl to a safer space or seek cover under a table or desk
  • Hold On to any sturdy covering so that you can move with it until the shaking stops

Stay safe out there.

Earthquake Damage Resource provides expert earthquake damage assessment and forensic engineering guidance throughout California and nationwide. If your property has sustained earthquake damage, contact our team for a professional evaluation.