Earthquakes

Closeup asphalt street cracking from an earthquake.

DROP. COVER. HOLD ON.

Know how to prepare for an earthquake and how to stay safe if one happens.

Preparation, planning, and practice are key to surviving an earthquake. Learn what actions you can take to prepare for an earthquake and what you can do to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during and after an earthquake.

Prepare for an Earthquake

Sign of the San Andreas Fault in the desert

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by planning, preparing, and practicing what to do if an earthquake happens.

Stay Safe During an Earthquake

Know what to do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during an earthquake.

Stay Safe After an Earthquake

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the many hazards you may find after an earthquake.

Additional Resources

Disaster Resources

American Red Cross Earthquake Safetyexternal icon

FEMA’s Earthquake Safety Checklist pdf icon[PDF – 3.5 MB]external icon

Earthquakes – Ready.govexternal icon

Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters

Illnesses, injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, animals & insects, food, water, cleanup, mold, environmental concerns, and coping with a disaster.
Learn more.

Page last reviewed: September 24, 2020

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR)