Earthquake 

Safety

Checklist

FEMA B-526 / December 2014
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 first 24 hours 

following a major earthquake, use your 

telephone only in case of an emergency 

(see page 9). You may be able to text 

message before being able to make 

phone calls. 

Important Numbers and Addresses

Call 911

for emergencies

Name and telephone/cell phone _________________________

Work address ________________________________________

Name and telephone/cell phone _________________________

Work address ________________________________________

Name and school telephone/cell phone ___________________

School address ______________________________________

School policy: ❏ Hold student ❏ Release student

Name and school telephone/cell phone ____________________

School address ______________________________________

School policy: ❏ Hold student ❏ Release student 

Name and school telephone/cell phone ___________________

School address ______________________________________

School policy: ❏ Hold student ❏ Release student

Name and shool telephone/cell phone ____________________

School address ______________________________________

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 point-of-contact for separted 

family members: ______________________________________

___________________________________________________

Location of Disaster Supplies Kit: ________________________

___________________________________________________

911
Earthquake Hazards in the United States

Based on 2012 International Residential Code

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 what to do at home 

before, during and after a disaster. You could be without 

help for at least 72 hours; self-sufficiency during this time 

is key.

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, such as toppling 

chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. 

Many of these conditions are easily preventable.

Because earthquakes occur without warning, it’s 

important to take steps now to prepare, especially if you 

live in Very High and High earthquake risk areas. 

Knowing what you can do and how to respond with 

constructive and protective actions, can make yourself, 

your family, and your home safer. Consult your local 

Building Department if you are unsure of the earthquake 

hazard in your area.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 1

Highest 

Hazard

Lowest 

Hazard
Have on Hand for Any Emergency –

Ideas for Home, Workplace, and Car

2 Earthquake Safety Checklist

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

earthquake occurs, prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for 

your home, workplace, and car.

 ❏ 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 

 sufficient supply 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 those with

 special dietary needs.

You should also have kitchen accessories and cooking 

utensils; especially a manual can opener. 

 ❏ Flashlights and spare batteries. Keep 

 a flashlight 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. Use a 

 wind-up powered generator to have unlimited

 emergency power.

 ❏ Water. Store at least 1 gallon of water per 

 person per day and be prepared for at least 

 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. 
Earthquake Safety Checklist 3

Ratios for Purifying Water with Bleach

Available 

Chlorine

Drops per Quart/

Gallon of Clear Water

Drops per 

Liter of Clear 

Water

1% 10 drops per Quart - 40 per 

Gallon

10 per Liter

4-6% 2 drops per Quart - 8 per 

Gallon (1/8 teaspoon)

2 per Liter

7-10% 1 drop per Quart - 4 per 

Gallon

1 per Liter

If the strength of the bleach is unknown, add 10 drops 

per quart or liter of filtered and settled water. Double the 

amount of chlorine for cloudy, murky or colored water or 

water that is extremely cold.

After adding bleach, shake or stir the water container and 

let it stand for 30 minutes before drinking. For more on 

disaster kits, please visit http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

• 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. Store water in plastic 

containers, and avoid using containers that may break, 

such as glass bottles.

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 filling the 

containers, clean them with dish washing soap and 

water, and rinse them completely so that there is no 

residual soap. Keep all water in a cool dark place. Water 

stored in your own containers should be replaced about 

every 6 months.

If you have questions about the quality of the water, purify 

it before drinking. You can heat water to a rolling boil for 1 

minute or use commercial purification tablets to purify the 

water. You can also use household liquid chlorine bleach if 

it is pure, unscented, 5 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite. 

To purify water, use the following table as a guide:
4 Earthquake Safety Checklist

 

 ❏ Portable, battery-powered radio or 

 television and spare batteries. Most 

 telephones will be out of order or used for 

 emergency purposes, so portable radios or

 digital televisions will be your best source of 

 information. You may also want to have a

 battery-powered citizens band (CB) radio, 

 other two-way radio, or wind-up powered

 radio. 

❏ First aid kit and manual. Keep a first

aid kit and emergency reference material 

such as a first aid book or free information 

available via FEMA Ready (http://www.ready.

gov/publications) at home and in your car.

Have members of your household take basic 

first aid and CPR courses.

❏ Fire extinguishers. Keep a fire 

extinguisher at home and in your car. Some 

extinguishers are good only for certain types 

of fires — electrical, grease, or gas. Class 

ABC extinguishers are designed for safe use 

on any type of fire. Your fire department can 

show you how to properly use an 

extinguisher.

❏ 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 pacifiers), sanitation 

and hygiene items (moist towelettes and 

toilet paper), and any other items unique to 

your family’s needs.

❏ Prepare customized emergency plans 

for people with disabilities in advance.

Whether small or widespread, emergencies 

can pose special challenges for individuals 

with disabilities. Make more than one exit 

from your home wheelchair-accessible in 

case the primary exit is blocked in a disaster.

❏ 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 

identification cards and important 

documents, such as insurance policies and 

financial records.

❏ Tools. In addition to a pipe wrench and

crescent/adjustable wrench (for turning off 

gas and water valves), you should have a 

lighter, a supply of matches in a waterproof 
Earthquake Safety Checklist 5

 

container, and a whistle for signaling rescue 

workers. 

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

must think about warmth because 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 • sleeping bag or

 gloves, and scarf warm blanket (one 

 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.

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.

You can shut off all water to your property by finding

the water meter box (usually at the street or sidewalk).

Inside the water meter box, you will see a valve that is

similar to the valve on your gas meter. Turn it the same 

direction as you would your gas valve. Based on your 

geographic location, the water main shut-off valve may be 

located inside your home. 

Pipe Wrench Crescent/Adjustable 

Wrench
6 Earthquake Safety Checklist

 

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.

• 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 cabinets 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, such as painting or cleaning products,

 which would be safer in a garage or outside shed.

Take steps to correct these hazards — secure or relocate

heavy items, as appropriate.

To learn more about home hazards, view the Earthquake 

Home Hazard Hunt, FEMA 528 at http://www.fema.gov/

media-library/assets/documents/3261.

Circuit Box with Shut-Off

Step 1: Shut off individual breaker.

Step 2: Shut off main breaker.

Pull out Electrical Cartridge Fuses

Step 1: Pull out individual fuses.

Step 2: Pull out main fuses.

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

is ever turned off, a professional must restore service. 
Earthquake Safety Checklist 7

 

Family Earthquake Drill

It’s important to know what to do for protection when your 

home 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 first jolt or shaking is felt. An 

earthquake drill can teach your family what to do in an 

earthquake.

• Each family member should know to Drop, Cover and

 Hold On when they feel an earthquake. If they can cover

 in a Safe Spot, they should do so, but they should not

 attempt to move during an earthquake, as the risk of

 injury is much higher. 

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

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

 against inside walls.

• Danger spots: Be aware of the dangers associated with

 breaking window glass, falling objects, falling mirrors,

 falling chimneys, and toppling of tall, unsecured pieces of

 furniture.

• Reinforce this knowledge by physically placing yourself 

 in the safe locations. This is especially important for

 children. Be aware of a possible tsunami if you live in a

 coastal area. Some communities have local tsunami

 hazard maps and warning systems. 

• Be prepared to evacuate in a tsunami emergency.

 Some communities have high ground or safe areas

 identified as Tsunami Evacuation Sites.

• 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.

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 On — 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. 

• Do not use elevators.
8 Earthquake Safety Checklist

 

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside

 doors and walls, and anything that could

 fall, such as lighting fixtures 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 fixture 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 fire alarms may turn

 on.

If you are outdoors:

• Stay there.

• Move away from buildings, trees,

 streetlights, and utility wires.

If you are in a car:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits, pull to

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

• Use a GPS tracking device or satellite

 messenger to send an emergency

 assistance request if there is a severe

 medical emergency. A satellite messenger

 device is an advanced GPS, which is able

 to send your exact GPS coordinates and

 selected messages over commercial

 satellites to tell others of your location and

 status.

• Avoid stopping near or under buildings,

 trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• 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 in a public transportation 

vehicle:

• Listen to or become familiar with public

 transportation emergency plans.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 9 

If you are trapped under debris:

• Do not light a match.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or

 clothing. Do not move about or kick up

 dust.

• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can 

 find you. Use a whistle if one is available. 

 Shout only as a last resort — shouting can

 cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of 

 dust. 

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 as telephone

lines may be down and service limited.

Use mobile phones or text messaging

to report an emergency. Be aware of 

wireless network traffic during emergencies, 

which can cause congestion and blocked 

calls or text messages.

Wear shoes in areas near fallen debris or

broken glass.

When the Ground Stops Shaking
10 Earthquake Safety Checklist

If possible, put out small fires. If this is not 

possible, leave your home immediately, 

notify the fire department if possible, and 

alert your neighbors.

Use a battery-powered flashlight to 

inspect your home. Turn the flashlight on 

outside, before entering, because the battery 

may produce a spark that could ignite 

leaking gas.

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 first 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;

sparks can ignite gas from broken

lines.

Switch off electrical power if there is

damage to your home’s 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 

fireplaces only if the chimney does not have 

damage and cracks.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, 

gasoline, and other flammable liquids.

Check to see that water and 

sewage lines are intact before using the 

toilet. Plug bathtub and sink drains to 

prevent sewage backup.

Check for Hazards
Earthquake Safety Checklist 11

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 outdoors.

Do not use your car, unless there is an

emergency. Do not go sightseeing through

damaged areas. You will only interfere with

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 specifically requested by police, fire, or 

relief organizations.

Plan to Reunite

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, or add an emergency phone registration in the 

Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) by calling 1-800-915-5413; 

or by making an entry via an Emergency Information Link 

(https://pleaseno.ipower.com/nok/restricted/reg.php)

1._____________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

2._____________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________
12 Earthquake Safety Checklist 

Information about earthquake hazards and measures for

reducing risks is available from the following:

FEMA/U.S. Department of Homeland Security

FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362

FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov.

FEMA Earthquake page: http://www.fema.gov/earthquake.

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

http://www.fema.gov/national-earthquake-hazards-reduction-program.

http://www.nehrp.gov/.

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.

Before Disaster Strikes, FEMA A-291. Available in both 

English and Spanish. No downloads available.

After Disaster Strikes: How to Recover Financially from

a Natural Disaster, FEMA 292. Available in English. No 

downloads available.

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen 

Preparedness, IS-22. Full publication and individual 

sections available online in both English and Spanish at: 

http://www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide.

Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt, FEMA 528. Available in 

English at: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/

documents/3261.

Food and Water in an Emergency, FEMA 477. Available 

online in both English and Spanish. 

English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf. 

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_f&web477.

pdf.

Helping Children Cope with Disaster, FEMA 478. Available 

online in both English and Spanish.

English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf.

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_children478.

pdf.

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other 

Special Needs, FEMA 476. Available online in both English 

and Spanish.

English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf.

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_pfd_all476.

pdf.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 13

Preparing for Disaster, FEMA 475. Available online in both 

English and Spanish.

English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd.pdf.

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_pfd475.pdf.

U.S. Geological Survey

For earthquake information, consult the USGS Earthquake

Hazards Program at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/.

American Red Cross

Information about the American Red Cross can be found

at: http://www.redcross.org.

Emergency Contact Information —

Wallet Card

1. Call a friend or relative who lives outside 

 the state and ask them to be your family’s

 “out-of-state contact”.

2. Explain to them that after a disaster they

 will be your means of communicating with 

 other family members, both in and out of

 state. Make sure they understand it will

 be their responsibility to be available to

 take calls immediately following a disater

 in your area. 

3. Call your emergency out-of-area contact

 and:

 

 • Tell them how you are, where you are,

 and/or plan to be.

 • Ask if other family members have

 checked in and left messages.

 • Let them know when you plan to call

 back and check in again.

4. Notify all your friends and family

 members that this one person will be

 the person to contact if they need to get

 a message to you. Tell them not to call

 direct. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Card Holder: _________________________________ Phone: ____________________

Address: _____________________________________ State: ____ Zip: ___________

email: _________________________________________________________________

 WORK

Business Name: _________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________ City: ______ State: ___________

Zip: ___________________________________ Office Phone:_____________________

 EMERGENCY OUT-OF-STATE CONTACT

Main Contact: _________________________________ Phone: ___________________

Alternate Contact: ______________________________ Phone: ___________________

 CHILDREN

Name: __________________________________ DOB: _______ Sex:______________

Identifying Characteristics: _________________________________________________

School/Daycare: __________________________ School Phone: __________________

Address: _______________________________ State:_________ Zip: ______________

Name: __________________________________ DOB: _______ Sex:______________

Identifying Characteristics: _________________________________________________

School/Daycare: __________________________ School Phone: __________________

Address: _______________________________ State:_________ Zip: ______________

Name: __________________________________ DOB: _______ Sex:______________

Identifying Characteristics: _________________________________________________

School/Daycare: __________________________ School Phone: _________________

 PERSONAL INFORMATION

Medication: ____________________________ Prescription #: _____________________

Allergies: _______________________________________________________________

Doctor’s Name: ___________________________ Phone: ________________________

Pharmacy Phone: _________________________ Blood Type: ____________________

Notes: _________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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FEMA B-526

Catalog No. 09076-2