How To Prepare For An Earthquake At Home and When Traveling

Earthquakes are devastating and tricky to predict natural disasters that impact hundreds of millions of people worldwide. While most earthquakes aren’t anything to worry about, it is always a good idea to be prepared. This is especially true If you live in a region that is prone to severe earthquakes such as the Pacific Coast of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. While most people who live in these regions are familiar with basic earthquake prep, visitors are unlikely to know what to do incase of a trembler being felt. Being prepared to survive in the moment and also recover from the aftermath is an important challenge that you need to plan for.

This is a sort of two-part article, but much of the information that I've learned over the years as a California resident is important to know whether you live in a place like Southern California or are traveling to an active seismic area such as Japan or Mexico City. I've even experienced earthquakes in Virginia, Chicago, and South Carolina too, so this is ultimately something that every traveler should have basic familiarity with. Understanding the potential earthquake damage to buildings and infrastructure is crucial for effective preparedness and response.

Here is a look at the things you should know so you can formulate your earthquake survival plans in advance rather than being caught unprepared!

What Travelers Should Know About Earthquakes

I great up in the San Francisco Bay Area and later lived in San Diego so I've had my share of shakers. While the vast majority of seismic events that you'll feel are pretty mild, it's a disorienting experience. When I felt one in Virginia after decades of not having felt the ground shake ... everything came back to me. While my co-workers all thought something had hit the building or a bomb had gone off, I knew exactly what it was and knew not to be afraid (but also to be cautious should there be aftershocks).

Ultimately, the most scary party of experiencing an earthquake is that it is completely unexpected. If you're on a guys trip to Dallas or Oklahoma City and you see stormclouds gathering, you know there's a chance a tornado could develop. On the other hand, imagine doing a boys trip to San Francisco and HOLY CRAP  why is the bar shaking!? It's a crazy experience.

What an Earthquake Actually Feels Like

First time that I felt one was when I was a baby. It was pretty traumatic and that one was also the largest that I've experienced - the room was shaking and bottles were falling off of shelves lining the walls. Since then though I've experienced dozens of much smaller quakes but it's always an interesting experience. Small quakes often feel like you're on a boat – kind of a swaying feeling though more often it feels like someone bumped your desk or as if a heavy truck drove by your house causing mild vibrations. Bigger ones might start with a jolt, like someone bumped your chair, then the room starts moving. You might hear a rumbling sound, and windows or dishes might rattle. Don't freak out – most quakes are minor and over in seconds.

The Smart Way to React

If you feel shaking, don't run outside like your instincts might tell you. That's actually when most people get hurt – from falling debris near buildings. Instead, get under a solid table or desk, or stand in a doorway if you need to. Stay away from windows and anything that could fall. If you're in bed, just stay there and protect your head with a pillow. Locals won't panic, so follow their lead and try not to freak out.

The Real Risks vs. Hollywood Drama

Forget what you've seen in movies – San Francisco isn't going to crumble into the ocean. Major cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles where quakes happen frequently are built for this. Modern buildings are designed to sway with earthquakes. The bigger risks are from unsecured objects falling over. In your hotel room, don't put that heavy laptop right on the edge of the desk, and maybe don't hang your backpack on that wobbly coat rack.

Preparation is Key

Preparing for an earthquake is crucial to staying safe during and after the disaster. Start by securing your space: identify hazards and secure moveable items, such as heavy furniture and objects that can fall and cause injury. Make sure to anchor bookshelves to walls and store heavy items on lower shelves.

Next, plan to be safe by creating a comprehensive disaster plan. This should include a communication plan, evacuation routes, and a designated meeting point for family members. Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations, ensuring you have an emergency kit with essential items like food, water, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.

Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, such as insurance policies and identification, and consider investing in earthquake insurance. Being prepared can make a significant difference in how you and your family cope with the aftermath of an earthquake.

Assess Your Home For Hazards Including Fire Extinguisher

When an earthquake strikes, your meticulously decorated home could become a trap-filled nightmare, and not just because of the structural elements. Heavy items and furniture will pose a real threat to your safety if they are not positioned appropriately. Assessing your home for potential earthquake damage can help you identify vulnerabilities and take steps to mitigate them.

For example, if you have large bookshelves, make sure these are affixed to the walls. Also remember to store weighty or fragile items lower down, so that they do not have far to fall if they are shaken loose.

Know Where You Are Going To Take Shelter

Having a game plan for where to go in the event of an earthquake is also crucial. Ideally, you will be able to ride it out in the open air, but remember to avoid areas that have large buildings, trees or power lines that could fall and injure you.

If you are indoors, practice the drop, cover and hold technique by dropping to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck, and holding on to a sturdy piece of furniture until the shaking stops. Identify a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a dining table, to shelter beneath, or stand against a wall, away from windows.

Stock Up On Emergency Supplies Including a First Aid Kit

Lots of reputable companies provide emergency food supplies that are designed to stand the test of time if normal distribution networks are disrupted, and an earthquake is precisely the type of event that can make it hard to get access to perishable goods.

It is not just food and water which should be close at hand for when supply chains are severed; you will also need useful tools like a flashlight with spare batteries, a wind-up radio, a first aid kit with medicines to fight infection, and footwear that is durable enough to take plenty of punishment. Additionally, ensure you have sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris after an earthquake.

Create an Earthquake Emergency Plan For Your Family and Expect Aftershocks

Earthquakes rarely affect a small number of people, so it pays to make sure that your loved ones are just as well prepared as you are.

Red Cross has more detailed advice on how you can prepare for and cope with earthquakes, so pass on the relevant information to your family members so that you are all on the same page.

Consider Communication Needs During Emergencies

The final piece of preparation involves planning for how you will stay in contact with the other people you care about if an earthquake occurs in your area.

It is better to designate another friend or family member who lives in another part of the country as the person who others can get in touch to stay up to date on your situation, so share their details with others and let them know their responsibilities.

Finally, be willing to contribute to local community efforts to prepare for and recover from all kinds of natural disasters; community spirit and cohesion is often what gets us through the darkest times.

Safety During an Earthquake

During an earthquake, your priority is to protect yourself from falling debris and other hazards. As soon as the shaking starts, drop down to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over. Hold onto something sturdy, like a sturdy table or desk, to keep yourself stable.

Cover your head and neck with your arms, and if possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows) and stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs. Remember to expect aftershocks, which can occur in the days, weeks, or even months following an earthquake.

Be aware of potential hazards such as broken glass, gas leaks, and downed power lines. Avoid areas where these dangers are present, and stay vigilant to protect yourself from further harm.

After the Earthquake

After the earthquake, there can be serious hazards, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines. Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency instructions and information via battery-operated radio, TV, social media, or cell phone text alerts.

Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary. If you are trained in first aid, use your skills to help others. Be aware of potential hazards such as falling debris, broken glass, and gas leaks. If you smell gas, open windows and evacuate the area immediately.

If you are in a building, check for structural damage and evacuate if necessary. Staying informed and cautious can help you navigate the immediate aftermath of an earthquake safely.

Recovery and Support

After an earthquake, it’s essential to have a plan for recovery and support. Start by checking your emergency kit and restocking supplies as needed. Participate in Great ShakeOut earthquake drills to practice your emergency plan and stay prepared.

Consider volunteering with organizations that provide aid and support to those affected by earthquakes. If you are affected by an earthquake, seek support from organizations such as the American Red Cross, which provides shelter, food, and comfort to those in need.

Remember that recovery from an earthquake can take time, so be patient and stay informed about the progress of recovery efforts. Engaging with your community and supporting each other can make the recovery process smoother and more manageable.