I still remember my first major quake - dishes rattling, walls swaying like rubber, and that terrifying roar from deep underground. My dumb instinct? Run downstairs. Big mistake. The chandelier nearly took my head off. That day taught me: knowing exactly what do I do in an earthquake isn't just helpful, it's life-saving. Let's cut through the noise and talk real-world actions.
Before the Shaking Starts: Prep Work That Actually Matters
Look, most "disaster prep" lists are unrealistic. Who has space for 50 gallons of water? Let's focus on what normal people can actually do.
Your 15-Minute Home Safety Sweep
Do this today - seriously, pause reading and go do at least one:
- Anchor your water heater with $5 straps (that thing becomes a missile)
- Move heavy books from above beds
- Install latches on kitchen cabinets (watching dishes explode sucks)
- Know how to shut off gas (practice with a wrench)
After the Northridge quake, my neighbor's unsecured bookcase fell on his kid's bed. The kid was fine, but that image still haunts me. Takes ten minutes to bolt furniture to walls.
The Practical Emergency Kit (No Army Surplus Needed)
Forget those $200 pre-made kits. Here's what you'll actually use:
| Item | Why It Matters | Budget Hack |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 gal/person/day (stores poorly long-term) | Fill cleaned soda bottles (replace every 6 mos) |
| Medications | Critical for chronic conditions | Rotate old prescriptions into kit |
| Cash | ATMs fail first | $100 in small bills + quarters |
| Phone Charger | Lifeline when networks return | Old phone as backup battery |
| Shoes by Bed | Broken glass everywhere | Old sneakers work fine |
Store this in an old backpack near your exit. Fancy containers just become clutter.
During the Shaking: What Do I Do in an Earthquake?
This is where most guides get it wrong. "Drop, cover, hold on" works... until your situation changes. Let's break it down:
Indoor Survival: More Nuanced Than You Think
If you're inside when shaking starts, immediately:
- DROP before you fall
- COVER under sturdy furniture (not just tables - couches work)
- HOLD ON until shaking stops
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Doorways: Modern ones aren't stronger (myth from adobe homes)
- Running Outside: You'll likely get hit by falling debris
- Elevators: Power fails = trapped death box
Kitchens are death traps during an earthquake. Glass, knives, appliances - get out immediately if possible. During the 2011 Virginia quake, a friend got third-degree burns from boiling water. Not worth staying near stoves.
Special Situation Cheat Sheet
Earthquakes don't care about your plans. Here's what to do in an earthquake when:
| Where You Are | Immediate Action | What NOT to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Bed | Stay put, cover head with pillow | Run across glass-strewn floor |
| High-Rise Building | Stay away from windows, avoid elevators | Panic about swaying (it's designed to do that) |
| Wheelchair | Lock wheels, cover head/neck | Try moving during shaking |
| Stadium/Theater | Stay seated, protect head | Join stampedes toward exits |
| Car Driving | Pull over, stop away from overpasses | Park under bridges or trees |
What do I do during an earthquake outside? Get away from buildings, streetlights, wires. Open areas are safest.
The Critical Minutes After: When Danger Isn't Over
Shaking stops? Now the real test begins. Many injuries happen post-quake.
Immediate Post-Quake Protocol
- Scan for Injuries: Check yourself first ("put on your oxygen mask")
- Gas Leaks: Smell sulfur? Get everyone out immediately
- Structural Damage: Look for cracks above door frames, leaning walls
- Shoes On: Glass shards are everywhere (learned this the hard way)
Pro tip: Keep a pair of sturdy shoes and flashlight under your bed. After the 1994 quake, I spent hours barefoot on broken glass hunting for shoes. Never again.
The Hidden Killer: Aftershocks
These smaller quakes can topple damaged structures. If you evacuated:
- Don't re-enter buildings until inspected
- Expect multiple aftershocks for days/weeks
- If inside, drop/cover/hold on just like main quake
Beyond the Basics: What Most Guides Won't Tell You
Twenty years in earthquake country taught me these harsh realities:
Communication Breakdown
Phones will fail. Period. Your plan:
- Text Don't Call: Texts use less bandwidth
- Out-of-State Contact: Designate one person everyone checks in with
- Meeting Spots: Primary AND backup location
During the Ridgecrest quakes, my family couldn't connect for 8 hours. Our designated tree at the park? Lifesaver.
Water Access Secrets
No stored water? Here's where to find emergency water:
- Water heater tank (40-60 gallons)
- Toilet tanks (not bowls!)
- Canned fruit/vegetable liquids
- Ice cube trays in freezer
Boil or purify ALL found water. After the Christchurch quake, dysentery spread through contaminated tap water. Not worth the risk.
Earthquake Myths Debunked
Bad advice kills. Let's bust dangerous myths:
| Myth | Reality | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| "Triangle of life" | Debunked by FEMA & Red Cross | Moving increases injury risk |
| "Small quakes prevent big ones" | Geologically false | Complacency kills preparedness |
| "Animals predict quakes" | No scientific evidence | False sense of security |
| "Stand in doorways" | Modern doorways offer no extra protection | You're exposed to falling objects |
What Do I Do in an Earthquake? Your Questions Answered
Earthquake Action Plan FAQs
Q: Should I run outside during an earthquake?
A: Absolutely not. Most injuries come from falling debris while moving. Get under cover immediately.
Q: How do I protect myself in bed during an earthquake?
A: Stay put! Cover your head with a pillow and wait it out. Getting up risks stepping on glass.
Q: What if I'm driving when an earthquake happens?
A: Slow down carefully, pull over away from bridges/overpasses, and stay in your car until shaking stops.
Q: How long should I expect to be self-sufficient?
A: Prepare for at least 72 hours without help – realistically, services may be overwhelmed for weeks.
Q: Should I turn off gas immediately after a quake?
A: Only if you smell gas or see damage. Unnecessary shutoffs can take weeks to restore.
Q: Are elevators ever safe during earthquakes?
A: Never. Power fails, sprinklers activate - you could drown trapped in a dark box.
Making It Stick: Practice Becomes Instinct
Reading this helps, but muscle memory saves lives. Every 6 months:
- Practice "drop, cover, hold on" drills
- Test emergency communications
- Check/refresh your emergency kit
I make earthquake drills a family game night. Kids practice crawling to safe spots blindfolded. Sounds silly until the real thing hits.
Last drill, my teenager laughed until the lights went out during our simulated quake. That darkness changes perspectives fast. Practice makes calm reactions possible.
The Realistic Mindset Shift
Prepping isn't about doomsday fantasies. It's admitting: services fail. Roads jam. Help might not come. Knowing what to do during an earthquake means controlling what you can:
- Learn basic first aid (tourniquets save lives)
- Know neighbors' skills (nurse next door? Retired plumber?)
- Accept temporary discomfort (it beats permanent injury)
That's the core of what to do in an earthquake: stay alive, help others, wait it out. Simple? Yes. Easy? Never. But possible with preparation.
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