Earthquake

Safety

Checklist

FEMA 526 / August 2005 

FEMA

Important Numbers and Addresses

Your family may not be together when an 

earthquake strikes, so use the spaces below to 

record information that will help you communicate 

with one another. Remember, during the  rst 24 

hours following a major earthquake, use your 

telephone only in case of an emergency.

Police telephone

Fire Department telephone

Ambulance telephone

 ‘s work address

Telephone/cell phone

 ‘s work address

Telephone/cell phone

 ‘s school

Telephone/cell phone

School policy: ❏ Hold student ❏ Release student

 ‘s school

Telephone/cell phone

School policy: ❏ Hold student ❏ Release student

Name and telephone/cell phone number of an 

out-of-town relative or friend who can act as a pointof-contact for separated family members:

Location of Disaster Supplies Kit:

Call 911 for

emergencies

Earthquake Safety Checklist 1

Are You Prepared for the Next 

Earthquake?

This booklet is designed to help you and 

your family plan for and survive a major 

earthquake. By taking action to be prepared, 

you can lessen the impact of an earthquake 

on your family. Set aside some emergency 

supplies, and teach your family what to do at 

home during and after a disaster. You could 

be without help for up to 72 hours, so learn 

to cope for at least that long.

Movement of the ground is seldom the actual 

cause of death or injury. Most casualties 

result from partial building collapse and 

falling objects and debris, like toppling 

chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and 

light  xtures. Many of these conditions are 

easily preventable.

Because earthquakes occur without warning, 

it’s important to take steps now to prepare, 

so that you know what you can do and how to 

respond — constructive, protective action is 

possible.

Based on U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Map 

for the Coterminous United States 

(http://eqhazmaps.usgs.gov/html/map_graphic.html).

Earthquake Hazards in the United States

Highest Hazard

Lowest Hazard

Hawaii

Maui

Honolulu

Kauai

Kalawao
2 Earthquake Safety Checklist

Have on Hand for Any Emergency – 

Ideas for Home, Workplace, and Car

Because you don’t know where you will be when an 

earthquake occurs, prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for 

your home, workplace, and car.

❏ Water. Store at least 1 gallon of water per 

person per day and be prepared for a 72-hour 

period. A normally active person needs at 

least 1⁄2 gallon of water daily just for drinking. 

In determining adequate quantities, take the 

following into account:

• Individual needs vary depending on age, 

physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.

• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people 

need more water.

• Very hot temperatures can double the 

amount of water needed.

• A medical emergency might require more 

water.

It is recommended that you buy commercially 

bottled water. Keep bottled water in its 

original container and do not open it until 

you need to use it. Also, pay attention to the 

expiration or “use by” date.

If you choose to prepare your own containers 

of water, you should buy air-tight, food-grade 

water storage containers from surplus or 

camping supply stores. Before  lling the 

containers, clean them with dish washing 

soap and water, and rinse them completely so 

that there is no residual soap. Water stored in 

your own containers should be replaced about 

every 6 months.

In addition to water, have puri cation tablets 

such as Halazone and Globaline, but be sure 

to read the label on the bottle before using 

the tablets.

❏ Food. It’s always a practical idea to keep 

a supply of non-perishable food on hand that 

can be rotated into your diet and replenished 

on a regular basis. Have a suf cient supply 

H2O
Earthquake Safety Checklist 3

of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, 

and canned juices for at least 72 hours. Dried 

cereals and fruits and non-salted nuts are 

good sources of nutrition. Keep the following 

points in mind:

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. 

Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain 

cereals, and canned goods with high liquid 

content.

• Stock foods that do not require refrigeration, 

cooking, water, or special preparation. You 

may already have many of these on hand.

• Remember to include foods for infants and 

special dietary needs.

You should also have kitchen accessories and 

cooking utensils, especially a manual can opener.

❏ Flashlights and spare batteries. Keep a 

C ashlight beside your bed, at your place of 

work, and in your car. Do not use matches 

or candles after an earthquake until you are 

certain that no gas leaks exist.

❏ Portable, battery-powered radio or 

television and spare batteries. Most 

telephones will be out of order or used for 

emergency purposes, so radios will be your 

best source of information. You may also 

want to have a battery-powered CB or other 

two-way radio.

❏ First aid kit and manual. Keep a  rst 

aid kit at home and in your car. Also, have a 

manual such as Standard First Aid & Personal 

Safety by the American Red Cross. Have 

members of your household take basic  rst 

aid and CPR courses.

❏ Fire extinguishers. Keep a  re 

extinguisher at home and in your car. Some 

extinguishers are good only for certain 

types of  res — electrical, grease, or gas. 

Class ABC extinguishers are designed 

for safe use on any type of  re. Your  re 

department can show you how to use an 

extinguisher properly.
4 Earthquake Safety Checklist

❏ Clothes. If you live in a cold climate, you 

must think about warmth. You might not have 

heat after an earthquake. Think about your 

clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to have 

one complete change of clothing and shoes 

per person, including the following:

• jacket or coat

• long pants

• long sleeve shirt

• sturdy shoes

• hat, mittens or gloves, and scarf

• sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)

❏ Pet needs. Identify a shelter area for your 

pet, gather the necessary supplies, ensure 

that your pet has proper ID and up-to-date 

veterinarian records, and make sure you have 

a pet carrier and a leash.

❏ Special needs. Keep a supply of special 

needs items, such as medications, extra 

eyeglasses, contact lens solutions, hearing aid 

batteries, items for infants (formula, diapers, 

bottles, and paci ers), sanitation and hygiene 

items (moist towelettes and toilet paper), and 

any items unique to your family’s needs.

❏ Important papers and cash. Be sure to 

have a supply of cash for use if ATMs, banks, 

and credit card systems are not operating. 

Also, keep copies of credit and identi cation 

cards and important documents, such as 

insurance policies and  nancial records.

❏ Tools. In addition to a pipe wrench and 

crescent wrench (for turning off gas and water 

valves), you should have a lighter, a supply 

of matches in a waterproof container, and a 

whistle for signaling rescue workers.

Pipe Wrench

Cresent /Adjustable Wrench
Earthquake Safety Checklist 5

Home Preparedness

In the event of an earthquake, you may be instructed 

to shut off the utility services at your home. Teach 

responsible members of your family how to turn off the 

gas, electricity, and water at valves and main switches. 

Consult your local utilities if you need more information. 

Label the water shutoff valve, found where 

water enters the house, 

and main water shut-off 

valve, found with meter 

in a concrete box in the 

sidewalk or yard. 

Caution: Do not shut off gas unless an emergency exists. If 

gas is ever turned off, a professional must restore service.

Earthquake Hazard Hunt

You can identify potential dangers in your home by conducting 

an earthquake hazard hunt. Foresight and common sense are 

all that are needed as you go from room to room and imagine 

what would happen in an earthquake.

Some possible hazards are:

• Tall, heavy furniture that could topple, such as bookcases, 

china cabinets, or modular wall units.

On Off

Gas

Valve

Off

On

Water Main

Electrical Circuit Breaker

ON

Pull-out Electrical Cartridge Fuses
6 Earthquake Safety Checklist

• Water heaters that could be pulled away from pipes and 

rupture.

• Appliances that could move enough to rupture gas or 

electrical lines.

• Hanging plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks.

• Heavy picture frames or mirrors over a bed.

• Latches on kitchen or other cabinets that will not hold 

the door closed during shaking.

• Breakables or heavy objects that are kept on high or 

open shelves.

• A masonry chimney that could crumble and fall through 

an unsupported roof.

• Flammable liquids, like painting or cleaning products, 

that would be safer in a garage or outside shed.

Take steps to correct these hazards — secure or relocate 

heavy items as appropriate.

Family Earthquake Drill

It’s important to know where you should go for protection 

when your house starts to shake. By planning and practicing 

what to do before an earthquake occurs, you can condition 

yourself and your family to react correctly and spontaneously 

when the  rst jolt or shaking is felt. An earthquake drill can 

teach your family what to do in an earthquake.

• Each family member should know safe spots in each room.

• Safe spots: The best places to be are under heavy 

pieces of furniture, such as a desk or sturdy table; 

under supported archways; and against inside walls.

• Danger spots: Stay away from windows, hanging objects, 

mirrors,  replaces, and tall, unsecured pieces of furniture.

• Reinforce this knowledge by physically placing yourself in 

the safe locations. This is especially important for children.

• In the days or weeks after this exercise, hold surprise drills.

• Be prepared to deal with what you may experience after 

an earthquake — both physically and emotionally.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 7

How To Ride Out the Earthquake

Limit your movements during an earthquake to a few 

steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the 

shaking has stopped and you are sure it is safe to leave.

If you are indoors:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold — Take cover under 

a sturdy desk, table, or bench, or against 

an inside wall, and hold on. If there is no 

desk or table near you, cover your face and 

head with your arms and crouch in an inside 

corner of the building.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside 

doors and walls, and anything that could fall, 

such as lighting  xtures and furniture.

• If you are in bed when the earthquake 

strikes, stay there. Hold on and protect your 

head with a pillow, unless you are under 

a heavy light  xture that could fall. In that 

case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it 

is safe to go outside. Most injuries during 

earthquakes occur when people are hit 

by falling objects while entering or leaving 

buildings.

• Be aware that electricity may go out or that 

sprinkler systems or  re alarms may turn on.

• Do not use elevators.

If you are outdoors:

• Stay there.

• Move away from buildings, trees, 

streetlights, and utility wires.

If you are in a moving car:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits, pull to 

the side of the road, and stay in the car.

• Avoid stopping near or under buildings, 

trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
8 Earthquake Safety Checklist

• Do not attempt to drive across bridges or 

overpasses that have been damaged.

• Proceed cautiously after the earthquake has 

stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.

If you are trapped under debris:

• Do not light a match.

• Do not move about or kick up dust.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or 

clothing.

• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can  nd 

you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout 

only as a last resort — shouting can cause 

you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

When the Ground Stops Shaking

Check for Injuries

If anyone has stopped breathing, give 

mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Stop any 

bleeding injury by applying direct pressure 

to the wound. Do not move seriously injured 

people unless they are in immediate danger 

of further injury. Cover injured persons with 

blankets to keep them warm.

Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you 

can listen for emergency updates and news 

reports.

Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in 

a coastal area. Tsunamis are also known as 

seismic sea waves. When local authorities 

issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series 

of dangerous waves is on the way. Move inland 

to higher ground as quickly as possible.

Do not use the telephone unless there is a 

severe injury. For more detailed emergency 

procedures, consult your  rst aid manual.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 9

Wear shoes in areas near fallen debris or 

broken glass.

Check for Hazards

If possible, put out small fi res. If not, leave your 

home immediately, notify the  re department if 

possible, and alert your neighbors.

Use a battery-powered fl ashlight to inspect 

your home. Turn the C ashlight on outside, before 

entering, because the battery may produce a 

spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.

Check gas, electrical, and water lines, and 

check appliances for damage. If you smell gas 

or see a broken line, shut off the main valve 

from the outside. Do not switch on the electricity 

again until the power company has  rst checked 

your home. Remember, if gas is turned off, 

a professional must restore service. Do not 

search for gas leaks with a lighted match.

Caution: Do not use electrical switches or 

appliances if gas leaks are suspected, because 

sparks can ignite gas from broken lines.

Switch off electrical power if there is damage 

to your house electrical wiring. If the situation 

is unsafe, leave your home and seek help.

Do not touch downed lines or broken appliances.

Check the building for cracks and damage, 

particularly around chimneys and masonry 

walls. Leave immediately if it looks like the 

building might collapse. Use  replaces only if 

the chimney has no damage and no cracks.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, and 

gasoline and other fl ammable liquids.
10 Earthquake Safety Checklist

Check to see that water and sewage lines 

are intact before using the toilet. Plug bathtub 

and sink drains to prevent sewage backup.

Check water and food supplies. If the water 

is cut off, use emergency water supplies 

— in water heaters and melted ice cubes. 

Throw out all food that may be spoiled or 

contaminated.

Check closets and cupboards. Open doors 

cautiously. Beware of objects tumbling off 

shelves.

Use charcoal or gas grills for emergency 

cooking, only out of doors.

Do not use your car, unless there is an 

emergency. Do not go sightseeing through 

areas of damage. You will only hamper 

the relief effort. Keep streets clear for the 

passage of emergency vehicles.

Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary 

earthquakes are usually less violent than the 

main quake, but they can be strong enough to 

cause additional damage and weaken buildings. 

Stay away from damage areas unless your 

assistance has been speci cally requested by 

police,  re, or relief organizations.

If You Have To Evacuate

Post a message in clear view that states where you can be 

found. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. List reunion points 

in case of separation. Such points may be the homes of 

neighbors, friends, or relatives; schools; or community 

centers. Use the blanks below to list reunion points.

1.

2.

H2O
Information about earthquake hazards and measures for reducing 

risks is available from the following:

FEMA / U.S. Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street, SW.

Washington, DC 20472

http://www.fema.gov

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/

FEMA Publications:

You can order printed copies of the following publications by calling 

the FEMA Distribution Facility at 1-800-480-2520. As noted, some are 

available for download from the FEMA website.

After Disaster Strikes. FEMA 292. Available in both English and 

Spanish.

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, IS-22, August 

2004. Full publication and individual sections available online in both 

English and Spanish at http://www.fema.gov/preparedness/prepare_

guides_links.shtm.

Before Disaster Strikes, FEMA 291. Available in both English and 

Spanish.

Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt, FEMA 528, September 2005.

Food and Water in an Emergency, FEMA 477, August 2004. 

Available online in both English and Spanish at http://www.fema.

gov/preparedness/prepare_guides_links.shtm.

Helping Children Cope with Disaster, FEMA 478, August 2004. 

Available online in both English and Spanish at http://www.fema.

gov/preparedness/prepare_guides_links.shtm.

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, 

FEMA 476, August 2004. Available online in both English and 

Spanish at http://www.fema.gov/preparedness/prepare_guides_

links.shtm.

U.S. Geological Survey

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20192

For earthquake information, consult the USGS Earthquake Hazards

Program at:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

American Red Cross

National Headquarters

2025 E Street, NW.

Washington, DC 20006

http://www.redcross.org

: 2005-318-049