Earthquakes can happen suddenly, often without any warning. One minute, you’re making breakfast or watching TV. The next, the ground starts shaking, and things begin falling off the shelves.
Knowing what to do in those first few seconds can help protect you and your family from serious injuries.
According to the CDC, many earthquake injuries happen when people are hit by falling or flying objects, such as televisions, lamps, broken glass, and bookcases, or when they’re knocked to the ground.
This guide covers 10 life-saving earthquake safety tips for different situations, along with what to do after the shaking stops and how to prepare your home and family ahead of time.
The tips are based on guidance from the CDC, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Ready.gov. Since every situation is different, it’s also important to follow instructions from local emergency officials.
How To Stay Safe During An Earthquake
1. Drop, Cover, And Hold On
In most situations, your first move should be to drop, cover, and hold on. These three steps can help protect you from falling objects and keep you from being knocked over.
• Drop: Get down onto your hands and knees. This position helps you stay steady and makes it easier to move if you need to.
• Cover: Get under a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby. Protect your head and neck, and cover as much of your body as possible. If there’s no suitable shelter, stay low near an interior wall or low piece of furniture that won’t fall on you, and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Hold on: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. If the table or desk moves, move with it so you remain protected.
If you can’t get down onto the floor, stay seated so the shaking doesn’t knock you over. If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head and neck with a pillow, a large book, or your arms.
2. Stay Indoors And Away From Windows
If you’re inside when an earthquake starts, stay inside. Running outdoors during the shaking might seem like the safest option, but it can put you directly in the path of falling glass, bricks, and other debris.
The CDC warns that areas near exterior walls and outside doorways can be particularly dangerous because parts of the building may fall. Instead, move away from windows, mirrors, hanging objects, bookcases, and heavy furniture that could tip over, if you can do so safely.
Kitchens can be especially risky because pots, dishes, appliances, and other items may fall during the shaking. If you’re cooking, turn off the stove only if you can do so quickly and safely. Otherwise, leave it alone and take cover immediately.
3. Protect Yourself If You’re In Bed
If an earthquake wakes you up, stay in bed and cover your head and neck with a pillow. Hold on and wait for the shaking to stop.
Getting out of bed in the dark could expose you to broken glass and other debris on the floor. Staying where you are may be safer than trying to reach another part of the room.
However, if a heavy light fixture or another obvious hazard is directly above you, move to a safer nearby spot if you can do so quickly without exposing yourself to greater danger.
It’s also a good idea to keep a flashlight and a pair of sturdy shoes beside your bed. You may need them to move around safely after the shaking ends.
4. Know What To Do In A High-Rise Building
If you’re in a tall building when an earthquake starts, stay inside and move away from windows and exterior walls. Drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Don’t try to escape using the stairs or elevators while the building is shaking. Elevators may stop working, and you could be injured by falling debris along the way.
Fire alarms and sprinkler systems may also activate during an earthquake. Once the shaking stops, follow your building’s emergency plan and leave if the building is damaged or officials tell you to evacuate. Use the stairs rather than the elevator if you need to leave.
If you’re trapped, try to stay calm and conserve your energy. Use a whistle, if you have one, or tap on a hard or metal surface to help rescuers locate you. You can also send a text message if your phone works. Avoid shouting continuously, as this can wear you out and expose you to dust.
5. Move To An Open Area If You’re Outside
If you’re outdoors when the ground starts shaking, stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, utility poles, power lines, and anything else that could fall on you.
Buildings can shed bricks, glass, and other debris during an earthquake, so don’t stand close to an exterior wall while waiting for the shaking to stop.
If you can reach an open area safely, go there, get low, and protect your head and neck with your arms. Stay in that position until the shaking ends, and watch out for hazards around you.
6. Pull Over Safely If You’re Driving
If you’re driving when an earthquake begins, slow down and pull over as soon as it’s safe. Choose a spot away from bridges, overpasses, power lines, trees, streetlights, and buildings that could collapse or drop debris onto your vehicle.
Set the parking brake and remain inside the car until the shaking stops. Your vehicle may shake or bounce, but staying inside is generally safer than getting out near falling objects.
If a power line falls onto your car, stay inside and call emergency services if you can. Don’t touch the line or try to get out while the car is in contact with it. Wait for trained emergency personnel to tell you it’s safe to leave.
When you start driving again, go slowly and watch for cracked roads, fallen rocks, damaged bridges, and other obstacles. If the road ahead is damaged or blocked, find a safe alternative rather than driving through the affected area.
7. Protect Children And Other Family Members
When an earthquake happens at home, children may become frightened and confused. If you can, guide them under a sturdy table or desk and help them protect their heads and necks. Make sure you protect yourself, too, so you can continue helping them.
If you’re holding a baby, stay low and protect the baby’s head and neck as best you can. If possible, take cover under a sturdy table while keeping the baby close to your body.
Older adults and people with disabilities may need extra help getting to a safer position. Assist them if you can do so without putting yourself in greater danger.
Anyone who cannot get down onto the floor should remain seated and protect their head and neck. Pillows or blankets can provide some protection from falling objects, but they aren’t a substitute for a sturdy shelter.
The Earthquake Country Alliance offers additional earthquake safety resources for people with mobility challenges and other access needs.
One of the best ways to help children feel more prepared is to practice with them. Show them where to take cover and explain what to do in simple terms. The Great ShakeOut website offers earthquake drills that families, schools, and workplaces can use to practice together.
8. Stay Away From Dangerous Areas After The Shaking Stops
Just because the shaking has stopped doesn’t mean you’re out of danger. Broken glass, damaged walls, fallen power lines, and unstable structures can still cause serious injuries.
Put on sturdy shoes before walking around, especially if you’re indoors and the floor may be covered with broken glass or other debris. Stay away from damaged buildings and anything that looks as though it could collapse.
Gas leaks are another serious concern. Avoid using matches, lighters, candles, camp stoves, or electrical switches if you suspect a gas leak. A spark could ignite the gas and cause a fire or explosion.
If you smell gas or hear it escaping, get everyone outside and move away from the building. Report the problem to the gas company or emergency services from a safe location. Don’t turn the gas back on yourself if the supply has been shut off; a qualified professional should handle that.
If your home or building has visible damage, leave when it’s safe to do so. Don’t go back inside until local officials or qualified building inspectors confirm that it’s safe.
9. Prepare For Aftershocks
Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that happen after the main earthquake. They may occur within minutes or continue for days, weeks, or even longer.
Although many are less powerful than the original earthquake, some can still cause damage, especially to buildings that have already been weakened.
If an aftershock starts, don’t assume it’s harmless. Drop, cover, and hold on just as you would during the first earthquake.
Stay away from damaged buildings, broken walls, and other unstable structures. Keep your emergency supplies nearby and be prepared to take cover again if the ground starts shaking.
10. Follow Official Emergency Instructions
Once you’re safe, check for updates from local emergency officials. Use a battery-powered radio, your phone, or another reliable source to find out about evacuation orders, road closures, damaged utilities, and other hazards.
Follow official instructions even if the situation appears calm where you are. Roads may be unsafe, and hazards such as gas leaks, damaged buildings, and aftershocks may not be immediately obvious.
If you’re near the coast, pay special attention to tsunami warnings. Strong or prolonged earthquake shaking can be a natural warning sign of a tsunami.
If you experience severe shaking in a coastal area, protect yourself during the earthquake and prepare to evacuate as soon as the shaking stops. Don’t wait for an official warning before taking action.
Follow local tsunami evacuation signs and instructions. If you don’t have a designated evacuation route, head inland or to higher ground. Walking may be safer than driving if roads are congested or blocked by debris.
For more information, read the CDC’s tsunami safety guidance and NOAA’s tsunami safety recommendations.
What To Do After An Earthquake
Once the shaking stops, take a moment to check your surroundings before moving. Use this checklist to help you decide what to do next:
• Check for injuries. Look for injuries to yourself and others. Provide first aid if you know how, and call emergency services for serious injuries when possible.
• Leave unsafe buildings. If a building is damaged or appears unstable, get out when it’s safe to do so. Don’t return until officials say it’s safe.
• Watch for electrical hazards. Stay away from fallen power lines and report them to the appropriate authorities.
• Use text messages when possible. Texting may be more reliable than calling when phone networks are busy. Save calls for emergencies when you can.
• Keep your emergency supplies close. You may need water, food, medication, a flashlight, and other essentials while waiting for further instructions.
• Listen for official updates. Keep checking reliable news sources and emergency alerts for information about aftershocks, evacuation orders, and other risks.
For more guidance, read the USGS article on what to do after an earthquake.
How To Prepare For An Earthquake Before It Happens
You can’t predict exactly when an earthquake will happen, but there are steps you can take now to protect yourself and your family. A little preparation can make it easier to respond quickly when the ground starts shaking.
• Secure heavy furniture: Anchor bookcases, shelves, and televisions to the wall so they don’t tip over. Keep heavy or breakable items on lower shelves where possible.
• Put together an emergency kit: Include drinking water, nonperishable food, a flashlight, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, essential medications, a whistle, and a battery-powered radio. Store supplies in a place where you can reach them easily.
• Plan for your family’s needs: Include supplies for babies, young children, older adults, pets, and anyone who needs medication or mobility aids. Check your supplies regularly and replace expired items.
• Make a family communication plan: Choose a meeting place and agree on how you’ll contact each other if you become separated. An out-of-area contact may also help your family share information when local phone networks are busy.
• Identify safe spots in your home: Find sturdy tables or desks in the rooms where your family spends the most time. Make sure everyone knows where to take cover.
• Practice earthquake drills: Teach everyone to drop, cover, and hold on. Practice with your children so they know what to do without panicking.
Ready.gov recommends preparing enough food and water to get through an emergency, while the amount you’ll need depends on your household and local guidance. Start with the recommended supplies for your area and build your kit to cover your family’s specific needs.
You can find more preparation advice in the USGS guide on how to prepare for an earthquake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earthquake Safety
Should you run outside during an earthquake?
No. Running outside while the ground is shaking can put you at risk of falling or being hit by glass, bricks, and other debris. The area just outside a building can be particularly dangerous because parts of the structure may fall.
If you’re indoors, stay inside, drop, cover, and hold on. If you’re already outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines, then get low and protect your head and neck.
Is it safe to stand in a doorway during an earthquake?
No. Standing in a doorway is a common earthquake safety myth. In modern homes, doorways aren’t necessarily stronger than other parts of the building, and they don’t protect you from falling or flying objects.
You’re generally safer getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until the shaking stops.
What should you do if an earthquake happens while you’re sleeping?
If an earthquake wakes you up, stay in bed and cover your head and neck with a pillow. Getting up in the dark could expose your feet to broken glass or other debris.
Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes near your bed so you can see where you’re going and protect your feet when it’s safe to get up.
What is the safest place to be during an earthquake?
If you’re indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on. If there’s no suitable shelter nearby, get low next to an interior wall or low furniture that won’t fall on you, away from windows and heavy objects that could topple.
If you’re outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. You may also hear about the “Triangle of Life” theory, which recommends taking cover beside large objects rather than under a table. However, the USGS explains why this advice is unreliable. Follow established earthquake safety guidance instead.
How long should you wait before going back into a building after an earthquake?
There’s no set waiting period. It depends on the condition of the building and the advice of local emergency officials.
If a building has visible damage, don’t go back inside until officials or qualified building inspectors confirm that it’s safe. Aftershocks can cause already weakened structures to collapse, even after the main earthquake has ended.
Can you predict when an earthquake will happen?
No. According to the USGS, scientists cannot predict exactly when and where a major earthquake will occur. They can estimate the likelihood of earthquakes in a particular area over a period of time, but they can’t provide reliable predictions of the exact date, location, and magnitude.
Some regions, such as the U.S. West Coast, have earthquake early warning systems like ShakeAlert. These systems can provide a few seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives, but they don’t predict earthquakes in advance. That’s why preparation is essential.
Conclusion
When an earthquake starts, you may have only a few seconds to react. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you protect yourself and the people around you.
Remember the basics: drop, cover, and hold on if you’re indoors; move to an open area if you’re outside; and pull over safely if you’re driving.
After the shaking stops, watch out for damaged buildings, broken power lines, gas leaks, and aftershocks. Follow instructions from local emergency officials, too.
Don’t wait until an earthquake happens to prepare. Secure heavy furniture, put together an emergency kit, make a family communication plan, and practice earthquake drills with your household.
Sharing these tips with family members, friends, and coworkers can also help everyone feel more prepared for an emergency.
Sources and Further Reading
- CDC: Safety Guidelines During An Earthquake
- USGS: What Should I Do During An Earthquake?
- Ready.gov: Earthquakes
- USGS: Can You Predict Earthquakes?
- The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills
- Dangerous Mistakes People Make During An Earthquake
Jennifer is a relationship coach with a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and Literary Studies and over 10 years of blogging experience. Since 2016, she has been creating thoughtful, easy-to-read content on relationships, self-improvement, and everyday living, with a focus on helping readers make informed decisions and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. She enjoys cooking, reading, meditating, watching TV, and spending quality time with her husband and two adorable daughters.