Earthquake preparedness: What to do before, during and after
In light of Earthquake Awareness Month, here are resources to prepare for the next seismic event.
February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and local government agencies are working to make sure residents are prepared for the next seismic event. Hundreds of small earthquakes occur every day around the world, so disaster can strike at any time.
While California gets the most attention, the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Map shows 15 other states are at high-risk for earthquakes, and identifies other areas of the country where earthquakes are most likely to occur.
Aside from the Golden State, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming are all high-risk states for seismic activity.
There are a few easy preparedness measures to know for before, during and after a seismic event that could be the difference in your safety and the recovery process.
Related: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have $205B of uninsured earthquake risk
Before an earthquake
For residents and small business owners in high-risk areas, these preparedness measures are significantly more important and should be practiced with your family or co-workers at least once a year. To prepare for an earthquake:
- Make an emergency safety kit and make sure all family members know where it is stored. FEMA recommends packing a kit for three days that include flashlights, batteries, a set of clothes, copies of important documents, one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a lighter, wrench and a whistle in case of an emergency. In case of an event, make sure to grab extra cash, any medicine you or your family may need, and more water and food as you evacuate.
- Develop an emergency communications plan with family members and at least one out-of-state contact in case family members are separated and need to get in contact.
- Assess any specific needs your family may have, whether it be for your pets or family members with any disabilities, and make an appropriate safety plan.
- Secure large items like TVs and all wall-mounted items. Store heavy and breakable items on low shelves.
- Assess the structure of your home. Depending on how and when it was built, your home may have weaknesses that make it more vulnerable to earthquakes. Common examples include structures not anchored to their foundations or having weak crawl space walls, unbraced pier-and-post foundations, or unreinforced masonry walls or foundations.
During a seismic event
Earthquakes happen suddenly without warning. If disaster strikes, protect yourself right away and follow these safety guidelines.
- Seek cover, protect your head and neck with your arms and don’t move. If in a vehicle, pull over and stop. If in bed, stay there. If outdoors, stay outdoors. Do not get in a doorway. Do not run outside.
- If you are in a high-rise building, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off. Do not use elevators.
- If you are near slopes, cliffs, or mountains, be alert for falling rocks and landslides, especially in California.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects while entering or leaving buildings. Be aware that electricity may go out or that sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
Related: It’s time to talk to your insureds about earthquake coverage
After an earthquake
There are a few key things to look out for. First:
- Expect to experience aftershocks after the largest shock of an earthquake. Navigate carefully.
- If your home or building suffers damage, evacuate safely and get away from the structure. Do not enter damaged buildings.
- Assess yourself and others for injuries. Seek medical help if needed.
- Assess your home for any hazards created by the earthquake damage. Responding promptly to hazards can prevent further damage and injuries. This may entail extinguishing small fires or reporting larger blazes; shutting off the water supply when broken pipes are leaking; shutting off the electricity when damaged wiring threatens to spark fires; shutting off the natural gas when you suspect that gas is leaking; or evacuating your home when any of these hazards or others, such as structural damage, make continued occupancy potentially unsafe.
- Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
FEMA and your local government resources offer a wealth of information on natural disasters, and officials are available to help keep you informed and equipt to handle an emergency situation.
Preparedness could be the difference between life and death or the survival of your home. Keep yourself updated on seismic activity in your area and make a safety plan for when disaster strikes.