In an emergency, call 911 (US) or 999 (UK) and follow instructions from local officials first.
Ready Survival Kits

Disasters

Earthquake

Drop, Cover, then Hold On, plus how to secure your home and what to do if you're trapped.

By The Ready TeamExpert review: pendingSources checked 29 October 2026

Quick card · EarthquakeSources checked 29 Oct 2026

Before

  • Secure TVs and wall-hung objects. Store heavy or breakable items on low shelves. 1
  • Practice Drop, Cover, then Hold On with your household. 1
  • Make a family plan with an out-of-state contact and a meeting place. 1
  • Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover earthquake damage. 1

During

  • Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on until the shaking stops. 1
  • In bed: stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow. 1
  • Indoors: stay inside. Don't run outside and don't stand in a doorway. 1
  • Driving: pull over away from buildings, trees, overpasses and power lines. 1

After

  • Expect aftershocks. Leave damaged buildings and don't go back in. 1
  • If trapped, cover your mouth and signal by texting, banging on a pipe or using a whistle instead of shouting. 1
  • In tsunami areas, go inland or to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops. 1

What to have

  • At least three days of food and water 1
  • Flashlight, spare batteries and charging devices 1
  • Whistle 1
  • Fire extinguisher 1
  • Work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes for cleanup 1

Drop, Cover, then Hold On

FEMA’s guidance is to drop where you are onto your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold onto sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Only crawl if it gets you to better cover without passing through debris. Don’t stand in a doorway, and don’t run outside. 1

If you’re trapped

Cover your mouth to keep out dust. Shouting uses energy and pulls dust into your lungs, so text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle to signal rescuers. 1 Save phone calls for emergencies so the network stays open. 1

Near the coast

If you live in a tsunami zone, don’t wait for an official warning after strong shaking. Head inland or to higher ground as soon as it stops. 1

Sources

  1. Ready.gov (FEMA), Earthquakes