How to Prepare for an Earthquake
Earthquake Preparedness
You never know when an earthquake might strike. Being prepared can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or loss of property in the event that you literally start shaking in your boots.
Earthquake Facts
In the past decade alone, there have been more than 267,000 earthquake-related deaths worldwide.
On average, there are 90 earthquakes per year in the US, scattered all over the country.
Earthquake high-risk areas include Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington State, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and The Mississippi Valley.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake
- Create an earthquake preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged earthquake kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Most injuries during an earthquake are caused by falling objects, so learn how to secure heavy objects.
- During an emergency, you may want to disconnect your utilities so know how to do that.
- Keep up with home maintenance to decrease the likelihood of collapse.
- Consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
- Learn what to do and what not to do during an earthquake.
- Hold regular earthquake drills involving the whole family.
The New Earthquake Drill
You’ve heard of “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” Now get ready for “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Step 1: Drop
- Drop to your hands and knees to lower your center of gravity.
Step 2: Cover
- Stay on your hands and knees and crawl underneath something sturdy.
- Try to keep at least one hand covering the back of your neck and head in case something falls on you while you’re moving.
- Tuck your knees under your belly to protect your vital organs and keep your head low to the ground. Keep your arms over the back of your neck and head.
Step 3: Hold On
- You should stay under your chosen cover until the shaking stops. Don’t try to move around!
- Literally hold on to your cover if possible.
What Not to Do During an Earthquake
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to what to do during an earthquake, such as:
Don’t Move
Don’t go outside and don’t move between rooms.
Don’t Trust the “Triangle of Life”
This a misguided earthquake tip based on construction practices outside the US.