Prepping in earthquake country
No warning, and everything breaks at once. Earthquake prep is mostly done before the shaking: water stored, furniture strapped, shoes by the bed.
What goes wrong here
- Water mains break
- Major quakes can cut piped water for weeks in parts of a region.
- Falling objects and glass
- Most injuries come from things falling and broken glass, not collapsing buildings.
- Gas leaks and fire
- Broken gas lines cause post-quake fires. Fires spread when water pressure is gone.
- Communications overload
- Cell networks jam within minutes. Texts get through more often than calls.
- Road and bridge damage
- Help may not reach you for days. Plan to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks.
What's different about your plan
Water is your top priority. Emergency managers in big quake regions now recommend at least two weeks of stored water per person, because restoring pipes takes far longer than restoring power.
Your home itself is a prep item. Strap the water heater, anchor bookcases and dressers to studs, use latches on kitchen cabinets, and keep heavy things off high shelves. These cost less than a tank of gas.
Keep sturdy shoes, a headlamp and work gloves by every bed. Most nighttime quake injuries are feet on broken glass in the dark.
Do these first, in this order
- Two weeks of stored water
Not three days. Two weeks per person, plus your water heater.
Water storage and filters guide - Strap and anchor
Water heater straps, furniture anchors, cabinet latches.
- Shoes, gloves, headlamp by every bed
Your first 60 seconds after a night quake.
Lighting and staying warm guide - Emergency toilet
When sewer lines break, flushing makes things worse.
Sanitation and hygiene guide - First-aid kit and training
Cuts, crush injuries, and no ambulance for a while.
First aid and medical guide - Gas shutoff wrench at the meter
Shut off only if you smell gas or hear hissing.
Skip or put off
- Standing in a doorway. Drop, cover and hold on under a sturdy table instead.
- Only a 72-hour kit. That number is outdated for a major regional quake.
How ready is your earthquake country home?
The quiz weights every item for earthquake country risks and shows your top gaps. About 3 minutes, no sign-up.