The 20 Seconds That Change Everything
Most damaging earthquakes last 10–60 seconds. You will not have time to make decisions during the shaking — you need to have made them beforehand. Earthquakes don't kill people: buildings kill people. And the actions you take in the first 20 seconds determine your survival odds dramatically.
Earthquake-Proofing Your Home
The Seven Most Common Killers in Earthquakes
- Falling bookcases and furniture
- Water heater tip-over (fire/flood risk)
- Unsecured overhead items (heavy pictures, TVs, light fixtures)
- Gas line rupture causing fire
- Chimney collapse
- Unreinforced masonry walls
- Soft-story construction (apartments with large ground-floor openings)
Mitigation Checklist
| Item | Action | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bookcases/shelves | Anchor to studs with L-brackets | $5–$20 |
| Water heater | Strap kit to studs (code-required in CA) | $10–$30 |
| TV | Anti-tip strap to wall or furniture | $10–$15 |
| Cabinet latches | Childproof latches prevent flying dishes | $15–$30 |
| Gas shutoff valve | Seismic auto-shutoff valve on gas meter | $100–$250 |
| Water shutoff | Know location; keep wrench nearby | Free |
| Heavy pictures | Closed hooks + museum putty | $5–$10 |
During the Earthquake: Room-by-Room Guidance
In Bed
Stay in bed. Cover your head and neck with a pillow. Most earthquake injuries occur from falling out of bed or running through glass and debris barefoot. Keep shoes and a flashlight under your bed.
In the Kitchen
Move away from the stove, refrigerator, and overhead cabinets. Drop and cover. Flying dishes and appliances cause serious injuries.
In a High-Rise
Do not use elevators after an earthquake. Evacuate via stairs only after shaking stops and you verify stairs are safe. High-rises are designed to sway — this is normal and intentional.
Outdoors
Move away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Drop to hands and knees in an open area. Protect your head with your arms.
In a Vehicle
Pull over away from overpasses, buildings, and trees. Stay inside with seatbelt on. After shaking, proceed cautiously — check bridges for damage before crossing.
Immediate Aftermath: The First Hour
Priority Actions
- Check yourself and others for injuries — stop serious bleeding first
- Check for gas leaks — smell for gas; if detected, exit immediately, leave door open, don't use switches
- Check for fires — gas leaks often ignite; know where your fire extinguisher is
- Shut off utilities if damaged — know your shutoff locations before an earthquake
- Expect aftershocks — sometimes larger than the initial quake; stay alert
- Check structural safety before re-entering — look for diagonal cracks at door/window corners
Earthquake Kit: The 72-Hour Essential List
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 gallon/person/day × 3 days; water filter |
| Food | 3-day supply, no-cook, familiar foods |
| First Aid | Trauma kit, prescription meds, glasses, hearing aids |
| Tools | Pipe/gas wrench, crowbar, work gloves, dust masks |
| Lighting | Flashlights + extra batteries; avoid candles post-quake |
| Communication | NOAA weather radio, phone charger, family contact list |
| Documents | IDs, insurance, cash, paper maps |
| Shelter | Tent, sleeping bags (buildings may be unsafe) |
Tsunami Warning After a Coastal Earthquake
If you are near the coast and experience strong shaking, immediately move to high ground — don't wait for an official warning. The earthquake IS your warning. Tsunamis can arrive within minutes of a nearby offshore quake.
- Move inland and uphill immediately — at least 100 feet elevation or 1 mile inland
- Do not return to the coast until authorities declare the all-clear
- A series of waves may arrive over hours — the first wave is not always the largest
Red Tag vs. Yellow Tag vs. Green Tag
After a major earthquake, official inspectors post colored tags on buildings:
- Green (Inspected) — No apparent structural hazard; entry permitted
- Yellow (Restricted Use) — Limited entry for specified uses; some areas off-limits
- Red (Unsafe) — Entry prohibited; building unsafe for occupancy
If your home is red-tagged, you need a pre-planned alternative: a friend's home, a hotel budget, or a camping setup. Plan for this in advance.