fact sheet: earthquakes

Largest Earthquakes in the United States

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently & without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time & advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.

BEFORE: Check for hazards in the home

• fasten shelves securely to walls
• place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
• store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass & china in low, closed cabinets with latches
• hang heavy items such as pictures & mirrors away from beds, couches & anywhere people sit
• brace overhead light fixtures
• repair defective electrical wiring & leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks
• secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs & bolting it to the floor
• repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects
• store weed killers, pesticides & flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches & on bottom shelves

identify safe places in each room

• under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table
• against an inside wall
• away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

Locate safe places outdoors. In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone & electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.

Teach all family members how & when to turn off gas, electricity & water. Teach children how & when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department & which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes.

have disaster supplies on hand

• flashlight & extra batteries
• portable battery-operated radio & extra batteries
• first aid kit & manual
• emergency food & water
• nonelectric can opener
• essential medicines
• cash & credit cards
• sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work & children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address & phone number of the contact person.

DURING: If indoors

• take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall & hold on
• stay inside
• the most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

if outdoors

• Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights & utility wires.
• once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops

if in a moving vehicle

• stop quickly & stay in the vehicle
• move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires
• once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake

pets after an earthquake

• the behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet & friendly cats & dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs & place them in a fenced yard.
• pets may not be allowed into shelters for health & space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food & a large container of water.