Earthquake Safety Tips: What To Do Before, During, and After An Earthquake

Ever wondered which earthquake safety tips could truly save your life when the ground starts shaking? While earthquakes strike without warning, knowing the right steps before, during, and after can make all the difference. In this guide, we will provide you with practical strategies to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquake Safety Tips: BEFORE

If there are signs of earthquake coming, be prepared and get everything ready!

Preparation is the most important step you can take to reduce risks during an earthquake. 

Here are the essential earthquake safety tips to follow before an earthquake happens:

• Make a plan and practice

Having an emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do in the middle of chaos.

Choose safe meeting spots and decide how to communicate if networks are down. 

Practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill at home, at work, and at school until it becomes instinctive. 

You can explore more details in our guide on earthquake preparedness.

• Prepare an emergency kit

Keep a ready-to-grab emergency kit with at least three days’ supply of food, water, flashlight, radio, spare batteries, and first aid. 

Include personal medications, important documents, phone chargers, and supplies for pets.

A small but complete kit can make the critical difference in the first days after a quake.

Do not forget a emergency kit

• Secure your home

Your home can turn dangerous if furniture and objects are not anchored. 

Fasten shelves, cabinets, and water heaters. To avoid falling, store heavy goods on lower shelves.

If your house has weak structures, reinforce them before it is too late.

• Learn basic skills

Knowing first aid, and how to shut off electricity, gas, and water could save lives. Learn the earthquake safety rules at your workplace or school so you can act quickly when danger strikes.

• Special considerations

If you live in a high-rise, identify sturdy furniture to shelter under and avoid elevators.

People with mobility challenges should plan ahead and practice protective moves. Also prepare a pet emergency kit, since animals need safety too.

5 safety tips for earthquakes

Earthquake Safety Tips: DURING

Earthquakes strike without warning, and the first seconds are often the most dangerous. Staying calm and knowing exactly how to react can save lives. 

The golden rule is simple: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” But your actions will also depend on where you are when the shaking starts.

If You Are Indoors

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Get down on your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.

Take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on tightly until the shaking stops. 

If no shelter is nearby, crouch near an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.

• Stay put

Do not run outside during the shaking. Many injuries occur when people rush for exits and are struck by falling glass, bricks, or debris. It is usually safer to remain inside until the tremors end.

Do not run outside during the shaking

• Avoid dangerous items

Stay away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture that may tip over. Glass and heavy objects can become deadly projectiles in seconds.

• In Bed

If you are in bed, stay there. Protect your head with a pillow and wait until the shaking ends. Only move if you are directly under something that could fall.

• In a Wheelchair

Lock the wheels, bend forward, and cover your head and neck. Try to position yourself away from windows and overhead hazards.

• In a High-Rise

Move away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, take cover under a substantial piece of furniture. Do not use elevators, as they may fail or trap you inside.

How to stay safe during an earthquake?

If You Are Outdoors

• Move to an open area: If you are outside, quickly move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, or utility wires. These can collapse or break during shaking.

• Drop to the ground: Once in the open, drop down and stay low. This will help you maintain balance and protect you from being knocked over.

Move away from buildings during an earthquake

If You Are in a Vehicle

• Pull over safely: Stop your vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Park away from overpasses, bridges, tunnels, or power lines.

• Stay in your vehicle: Keep your seatbelt fastened and remain inside until the shaking stops. Vehicles provide protection from falling debris.

• Proceed with caution: Once the tremors end, drive slowly. Be alert for cracks in the road, fallen rocks, broken glass, or damaged infrastructure.

Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops

Earthquake Safety Tips: AFTER

Surviving the initial quake is only the beginning. Many accidents and injuries occur after the ground stops shaking. Knowing how to act in the hours and days following is crucial. 

These earthquake safety tips will help you stay safe, protect your home, and support your community.

• Be aware of aftershocks

Earthquakes often come with aftershocks, which can be nearly as strong as the first quake.

Stay aware and prepare to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" again.

Move cautiously and avoid rushing, since sudden tremors can throw you off balance.

• Check for safety first

Look after yourself and those around you.

Treat injuries immediately before focusing on property. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves to protect against sharp debris, nails, or broken glass. Prioritize health and safety over possessions.

• Inspect your surroundings

Check your home for gas leaks, damaged water pipes, or exposed electrical wires.

If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or see broken lines, shut off the utilities right away and leave the area.

Fires and flooding are common secondary hazards after earthquakes.

Inspect your home’s surroundings after an earthquake

• Communicate wisely

Phone networks often overload after a disaster.

Use text messages or messaging apps instead of calls to save battery and keep lines open for emergencies.

Stay tuned to radios, emergency broadcasts, or official websites for reliable updates.

• Cleanup and recovery

Handle debris carefully. Wear protective gear and avoid areas that look unstable.

Take photos or notes of the damage for insurance claims. Do not re-enter heavily damaged buildings until authorities confirm they are safe.

• Support others and mental health

Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, children, or people with disabilities.

Share supplies if possible and offer emotional support.

Disasters can cause stress and trauma, so caring for mental well-being is just as important as physical safety.

Stay alert even after the earthquake

Conclusion

Earthquake safety tips should be part of daily readiness, not just during emergencies. Being alert, practicing responses, and supporting your community will create stronger resilience. With preparation, you face quakes with confidence instead of fear, knowing you have done your best to stay safe.