The Top Tools for Earthquake Preparedness

A graphic showing different earthquake preparedness tools.

Earthquakes strike without warning, which means there’s no better time than the present to start preparing for them.

First things first: Get familiar with what you should do if you feel shaking. Move to the floor, use your arms to cover your head and neck, get beneath a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk if one is nearby (If not, try to get near an interior wall), and stay in that spot until the shaking stops. If you do find something stable to use as shelter, you might use one hand to hold on to that, while keeping the other arm over your head and neck. This is known as the “drop, cover, hold on” sequence, and it’s based on years of research into earthquake damage and injuries.

Of course, the unpredictability of earthquakes means you can never be sure where you’ll be when the shaking starts, so the Earthquake Country Alliance also offers advice on what to do in various situations. For example, if you’re in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow; if you’re driving, pull over, stop, and set your parking brake. If you use a walker or wheelchair, lock the wheels and, to the extent you are able, bend over and cover your head with your arms, a pillow, or a book until the shaking stops. The Earthquake Country Alliance has additional guidance on earthquake preparedness for older people and people with disabilities.

Now that you’re familiar with how to react, it’s time to think about how to make your home safer during and after the shaking. We’ve compiled some steps and products that can help you secure your space and might make living in the aftermath of a major earthquake a bit easier.



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