What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake in the Philippines
Earthquakes can happen with little or no warning, leaving people only seconds to react. In the Philippines, the shaking may also be followed by aftershocks, power interruptions, damaged roads or tsunami risks in coastal communities. A clear household plan can help family members make safer decisions when normal communication and public services are disrupted. Understanding what to do before, during and after an earthquake means preparing your home in advance, protecting yourself while the ground is shaking and responding carefully once it stops. This guide explains the practical steps Filipino households can take at each stage, from organizing emergency supplies to managing the first 72 hours of recovery.
What to Do Before an Earthquake: Build a Household Response Plan
Knowing what to do before an earthquake starts with preparing for the conditions your household may actually face. A practical response plan should cover hazards inside the home, evacuation routes, communication arrangements and access to essential supplies. Every family member should understand the plan before an emergency occurs.
Assess Risks Inside and Around Your Home
Begin by checking each room for objects that could fall, slide or block an exit during strong shaking. Secure tall cabinets, shelves, televisions and large appliances where possible. Store heavy or breakable items on lower shelves, and keep beds and frequently used seating areas away from mirrors, hanging objects and unsecured furniture.
Identify safer areas beneath sturdy tables or beside low furniture, away from glass and objects that may fall. Check how to reach the stairs or nearest exit after the shaking stops, especially if you live in a condominium or other multi-story building.
Risks outside the home also matter. Look for nearby power lines, concrete walls, aging buildings and other structures that may affect an evacuation route. Households near slopes can also review practical guidance on how to prevent landslides, including improving drainage and limiting soil erosion, while recognizing that no household measure can eliminate the risk of an earthquake-triggered slope failure.
Decide How Your Family Will Respond
An earthquake may happen while family members are at home, school or work, so the plan should not depend on everyone being together. Choose one meeting place close to home and another outside the immediate neighborhood in case the first location becomes unsafe. Meeting areas should be open and away from walls, power lines and other falling hazards.
Assign simple responsibilities based on what each person can safely do. For example, one adult may assist young children while another carries the go-bag. Make separate arrangements for older adults, family members with disabilities, anyone who relies on regular medication and household pets. Domestic helpers and other people who regularly stay in the home should also know the plan.
Record important phone numbers, school contacts, workplace details and the contact information of your barangay and local disaster risk reduction and management office. Families should also agree to use text messages or online messaging first after an earthquake, as calls may be difficult when networks are congested.
Prepare to Shelter, Evacuate or Stay Away From Home
A strong earthquake may make it unsafe to return home or may interrupt access to shops, transport and public services. Prepare supplies that can support the household for at least the first 72 hours, when outside assistance may not be immediately available.
An earthquake go-bag may include:
Ready-to-eat food and drinking water
A first-aid kit and personal medicines
A flashlight, whistle and battery-powered radio
Mobile phone chargers, a power bank and spare batteries
Face masks, work gloves and sturdy footwear
Basic hygiene products and a change of clothing
Copies of identification, medical information and other important documents in waterproof packaging
Emergency cash in smaller denominations
Supplies for infants, older adults, people with disabilities and pets
Choose items that do not require cooking or complicated preparation. The bag should remain light enough to carry and be stored near an accessible exit rather than inside a cupboard that may become blocked. Check medicines, batteries, food and water regularly, replacing anything that has expired. The Office of Civil Defense recommends reviewing go-bag contents every three months.
Plan for Information and Utility Disruptions
Power, water and communication services may be interrupted after a major earthquake. Keep phones and power banks charged, and make sure flashlights, radios and charging cables are easy to find.For households within Meralco’s service area, checking official Meralco brownout updates can help confirm whether an outage has been reported and whether restoration information is available.
Know where the main switches or valves for electricity and water are located. Ask a qualified professional how to operate them safely rather than waiting until an emergency to learn. Utilities should only be turned off when damage is suspected, authorities advise it, or you can do so without entering an unsafe area.
Save official information channels before an earthquake occurs. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology should be the main source for earthquake and tsunami information, while evacuation and community instructions may come from the Office of Civil Defence, local government units, police, first responders and barangay officials. Depending on unverified social media posts can cause confusion and unsafe decisions.
Test the Plan Through Regular Drills
A written plan is only useful if household members can follow it under pressure. Practice Duck, Cover and Hold in different rooms so everyone can identify the nearest safe position without having to cross the room. Children should understand that they must protect themselves first rather than run toward an adult or an exit while the ground is shaking.
After practicing the protective action, rehearse what happens once the shaking stops. Check whether exits can be reached safely, whether the go-bag is easy to collect and whether each person remembers the agreed meeting point. Families should also discuss alternative routes in case roads, corridors or stairways are blocked.
Review the plan whenever the household moves, a family member’s needs change or local evacuation instructions are updated. Regular practice turns separate supplies and safety instructions into a response that the household can follow when there is little time to think.
What to Do During an Earthquake: While the Ground Is Shaking
Knowing what to do during an earthquake is mainly about protecting yourself from falling objects and avoiding unsafe movement. The shaking may make it difficult to stand, while glass, shelves, ceiling fixtures and unsecured furniture can become immediate hazards. Your first action should therefore be to lower your body, protect your head and remain under cover until the movement stops.
Protect Yourself Before Trying to Move
As soon as you feel strong shaking, follow the Duck, Cover and Hold procedure:
Duck: Lower yourself onto your hands and knees before the movement knocks you down. This position helps you maintain balance while still allowing you to move a short distance if needed.
Cover: Protect your head and neck beneath a sturdy table or desk. If no suitable shelter is within reach, crouch beside low furniture or an interior wall and use your arms to cover your head and neck.
Hold: Hold onto the table or other shelter and move with it if it shifts. Remain in position until the shaking stops.
If you are indoors, do not run outside while the ground is moving. Exits may be crowded, and glass, concrete or other debris may fall near the outside walls of a building. Avoid windows, mirrors, tall shelves and hanging fixtures, but do not cross a room to reach a supposedly safer location unless the immediate area presents a clear danger.
Doorways in modern buildings do not necessarily offer better protection than other parts of the structure. A sturdy table is generally the safer option because it provides cover from falling and flying objects. Duck, Cover and Hold remains the standard protective action promoted through earthquake drills in the Philippines.
Adjust Your Response to Your Surroundings
The basic protective action remains the same, but the safest response also depends on where you are when the shaking begins.
Location | Immediate Action | Main Hazards to Avoid |
Home, office or school | Duck beneath sturdy furniture, cover your head and hold on. If you are in bed, stay there and use a pillow to protect your head and neck. | Windows, cabinets, shelves, appliances and hanging objects |
High-rise building | Stay inside, move away from glass if it is safe to do so and take cover. Wait until the shaking stops before evacuating by the stairs. | Windows, exterior walls, elevators and crowded exits |
Mall, cinema or crowded venue | Take cover where you are and protect your head. Follow staff or security instructions once the shaking stops. | Display shelves, glass panels, ceiling fixtures and crowd surges |
Outdoors | Move to a nearby open area and stay low until the shaking stops. If no open space is within easy reach, protect your head from falling debris. | Buildings, concrete walls, trees, signboards and power lines |
Inside a vehicle | Pull over gradually in a clear location, apply the parking brake and remain inside with your seat belt fastened. | Bridges, flyovers, tunnels, buildings, trees and overhead wires |
Bus, jeepney or train | Hold onto a handrail or stable support and remain inside until the vehicle stops. Follow the driver’s or staff’s instructions. | Pushing toward exits, traffic and electrical equipment |
Near a steep slope | Move away from the base or edge of the slope if this can be done without crossing another hazard. Protect yourself until the shaking ends. | Falling rocks, loose soil and earthquake-induced landslides |
If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and remain seated. Bend forward if possible and protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow or another nearby object. Anyone assisting a child, older adult or person with limited mobility should first protect themselves from falling debris before attempting to move someone else.
When driving, do not stop beneath an overpass or beside utility poles. Once the shaking ends, continue carefully and watch for cracked roads, fallen wires and damaged bridges. Keep access routes clear for ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
Respond Quickly If You Are Near the Coast
People in coastal communities need to consider the possibility of a tsunami after a strong earthquake. During the shaking, protect yourself with Duck, Cover and Hold. Once the shaking stops, move inland or towards the nearest designated high-ground evacuation area if the earthquake was strong or prolonged. Do not wait for an official warning if you notice natural tsunami signs, such as a sudden rise or retreat of seawater or an unusual roar from the coast.
Do not wait for an official warning if you notice natural tsunami signs, such as a sudden rise or retreat of seawater or an unusual roar from the coast. Follow posted tsunami evacuation routes and travel on foot when possible, as damaged roads and traffic congestion may make driving unsafe.
Stay away from beaches, river mouths and other waterways connected to the sea. Do not return simply because the first wave has passed, since later waves may still arrive. Continue following updates from PHIVOLCS, your LGU and local disaster officials before leaving the evacuation area. Philippine coastal safety guidance advises residents to move to higher ground after strong or prolonged shaking rather than remaining near the shore to observe conditions.
What to Do Immediately After the Shaking Stops
The end of the shaking does not necessarily mean the danger has passed. Damaged structures, fires, exposed electrical wires and aftershocks can create new risks within minutes. Before checking your phone or collecting belongings, assess injuries and decide whether the surrounding area is safe.
Check Injuries Before Moving
Take a few seconds to check yourself for bleeding, pain or difficulty moving. If you can move safely, check the people nearby and provide basic first aid using available supplies. Give priority to children, pregnant women, older adults and persons with disabilities who may need help reaching a safer area.
Do not move someone with a suspected head, neck or spinal injury unless they face an immediate threat such as fire, smoke, flooding or structural collapse. Contact emergency services when possible and follow instructions from trained responders.
Before walking through the area, look for broken glass, fallen ceiling materials and unstable furniture. Put on sturdy shoes if they are within easy reach, but do not delay evacuation to search for personal items. Use a battery-powered flashlight if the electricity has gone out. Candles, matches and other open flames may ignite leaking liquefied petroleum gas or spilled fuel.
Decide Whether to Evacuate or Stay in Place
Quickly check the building and nearby area for signs of immediate danger. These may include:
Fire, smoke or the smell of leaking LPG
Sparks, damaged wiring or fallen power lines
Large cracks in walls, columns or stairways
Leaning walls, falling concrete or a partially collapsed ceiling
Damaged water pipes or rapidly rising water
Official evacuation instructions
Tsunami risks in a coastal community
Evacuate if the building appears damaged or any of these hazards are present. Use the stairs rather than an elevator, and follow the designated evacuation route if it remains clear. Bring the household go-bag only if it is immediately accessible and can be collected without delaying your exit.
Stay calm and avoid running, pushing or gathering close to the outside walls of the building. Glass, concrete and exterior fixtures may continue to fall after the main shaking has stopped. Move toward an open assembly area away from buildings, trees, utility poles and overhead wires.
If the exit route is blocked or appears more dangerous than your current location, remain in the safest available area and signal for help rather than forcing your way through unstable debris. Follow instructions from building safety officers, barangay officials or emergency responders.
Do not switch electrical equipment on or off if you smell LPG or suspect a fuel leak. Leave the area without using a flame and report the problem to the Bureau of Fire Protection or other local authorities from a safe location. Water and electricity should only be shut off when there is visible damage and the controls can be reached without entering a dangerous area.
Buildings with visible earthquake damage should not be occupied again until they have been assessed and declared safe by qualified professionals. PHIVOLCS has reiterated this guidance following recent strong earthquakes in the Philippines.
Expect Aftershocks and New Hazards
Aftershocks may occur minutes, hours or longer after the main earthquake. Some may be strong enough to dislodge objects or further weaken structures that have already been damaged. If the ground begins shaking again, immediately Duck, Cover and Hold.
While waiting in an evacuation or assembly area, keep away from building facades, concrete walls, damaged slopes and fallen power lines. Avoid standing beneath balconies, signs or cracked structures. Do not return indoors to collect valuables, food or equipment until local authorities or structural professionals confirm that re-entry is safe.
Remain alert to hazards that may develop after the initial assessment. A damaged slope can begin to move, electrical fires may spread, and broken water pipes can make roads or floors unsafe. Coastal residents who felt strong or prolonged shaking should continue toward the designated tsunami evacuation area rather than waiting near the shore.
The immediate goal is not to inspect every part of the property. It is to move away from urgent threats, account for the people nearby and reach a location that remains safe if another strong tremor occurs.
How to Manage the First 72 Hours After an Earthquake
Once immediate hazards have been addressed, households may need to manage several days of disrupted transport, communications, water and electricity. Emergency assistance may not reach every community at once, especially when roads and public infrastructure are damaged. The priorities during this period are to locate family members, follow verified instructions and use available supplies carefully.
Confirm Everyone’s Location and Safety
Begin with the meeting and communication plan prepared before the earthquake. If household members were separated, go to the agreed meeting point only when the route is safe. Do not re-enter a damaged building or cross a restricted area simply to look for someone.
Send a short text or online message stating your location and condition. A simple message such as “Safe at the barangay evacuation area” uses less network capacity and battery power than a long phone call. Contact the family’s designated person outside the affected area so that one person can share updates with other relatives.
Report missing, injured or trapped people to barangay officials, the local disaster risk reduction and management office or emergency responders. Provide the person’s name, last known location and any relevant medical or mobility needs. Avoid entering unstable structures or conducting a rescue without the necessary training and equipment.
The Office of Civil Defense recommends establishing a family reunification plan with a safe meeting place and alternative routes from home, school and work.
Follow Verified Local Instructions
Earthquake information can change as PHIVOLCS reviews seismic data and authorities inspect affected areas. Use official sources for updates:
PHIVOLCS for earthquake, aftershock and tsunami information
Office of Civil Defense and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for wider emergency coordination
LGU and local DRRMO for evacuation, road and relief information
Barangay officials for nearby assembly areas and community instructions
Police, fire services and first responders for urgent local hazards
Do not rely on screenshots, forwarded voice messages or social media posts that do not identify an official source. False warnings about another major earthquake or tsunami can cause panic and lead people toward unsafe roads or buildings.
Keep a battery-powered radio available if mobile data and internet services become unreliable. When checking information online, confirm that it comes from an official government account and note when it was published. An older advisory may no longer reflect current conditions.
Ration Water, Food and Essential Supplies
Count the drinking water, ready-to-eat food, medicines and hygiene supplies available to the household. Divide them according to the number of people present and their individual needs rather than using them without a plan during the first few hours.
Use sealed bottled water first if pipes, storage tanks or local water sources may have been damaged. Do not drink water that has an unusual smell, color or visible contamination. Follow local health or water utility instructions before using tap water for drinking or food preparation.
Choose food that does not require cooking, particularly when electricity is unavailable or LPG systems may have been damaged. Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to slow the loss of cold air. Discard food if there are signs of spoilage or contamination rather than relying only on its appearance.
Continue taking essential medicines according to medical instructions. Keep prescriptions, dosage information and medical contact details together. If supplies are running low, report the need to evacuation center staff, barangay health workers or local medical responders instead of waiting until the medicine is completely exhausted.
Use Limited Electricity by Priority
Power interruptions may affect phone charging, lighting, internet access and food storage. Before connecting any device, confirm that the equipment, outlet and surrounding area are dry and show no signs of electrical damage.
Use available electricity in the following order:
Communication: Keep at least one phone available for household updates and emergency contact.
Lighting: Use efficient LED lights to reduce the risk of falls and injuries after dark.
Official information: Use a radio, phone or router when needed to receive verified instructions.
Essential equipment: Support necessary medical or household devices only after confirming their power requirements.
Food storage: Run a refrigerator when sufficient capacity remains and the appliance is safe to use.
Comfort devices: Use fans and other non-essential equipment only when they will not reduce power for higher-priority needs.
Lower screen brightness, close unnecessary apps and place phones in low-power mode. Avoid using stored electricity for entertainment or high-wattage appliances until you know how long the outage may last.
A household backup power source can make this prioritization easier, particularly when communication and lighting are needed for several hours. The next section explains how portable power can support these post-earthquake needs without depending on a damaged household circuit.
Support Neighbors and Wait for Safe Re-entry
Check on nearby relatives and neighbours when it is safe to do so, particularly older adults, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and families with young children. Share verified information and essential supplies where possible, but do not enter damaged buildings or cross blocked areas to assist.
Coordinate with barangay officials instead of creating a separate relief point that could interfere with emergency operations. If staying at an evacuation centre, register the household, report medical or accessibility needs and follow the site’s safety and sanitation rules.
Do not return to a damaged home simply because there have been no recent aftershocks. Wait for local authorities or qualified structural professionals to confirm that the building is safe. Even if the exterior appears intact, stairways, columns, electrical systems or interior walls may have been weakened. Re-entry should be gradual and limited to essential tasks until the property has been properly assessed.
Portable Power for Post-Earthquake Household Needs
A major earthquake can damage power lines, substations and household electrical systems, leaving affected communities without electricity while inspections and repairs are carried out. During this period, the purpose of backup power is not to operate every appliance as usual. It is to preserve limited energy for communication, lighting, official information and other essential needs.
A portable power station stores electricity without using petrol or producing exhaust fumes during operation, making it more practical for indoor household use than a fuel generator. It should still be placed on a dry, stable surface with its ventilation areas unobstructed. Do not connect it to damaged wiring, wet appliances or equipment with unknown power requirements.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station is a reliable power solution for earthquake emergencies, providing stable energy support during power outages. It features a large energy storage capacity and strong output capability, allowing it to power essential devices such as phones, emergency lights, Wi-Fi routers, radios, and small household appliances. This helps families stay connected and access important information when the grid is unavailable. In addition, its Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) integrated structure provides enhanced drop and shock resistance, enabling a stable power supply even in challenging conditions.
For households that require greater energy capacity to support higher power demands, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station provides a more powerful backup solution. It features flexible capacity expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity based on different energy needs, while delivering higher output power to run multiple devices for extended periods. In addition, its UPS function enables an almost instant switch to backup power during outages, helping maintain continuous electricity supply and reducing the impact of sudden power interruptions.
Conclusion
Understanding what to do before, during and after an earthquake helps Filipino households respond with less confusion when every decision matters. A clear family plan, safer home setup and regular practice can reduce risks before and during the shaking. Afterwards, check injuries and immediate hazards first, then follow PHIVOLCS and local authorities while managing water, food, communication and electricity carefully. Portable power can support lighting, communication and other essential devices during a prolonged outage, but it should remain part of a wider household preparedness plan. Review emergency supplies, meeting points and evacuation routes regularly so every family member knows how to act before the next earthquake occurs.
FAQs
What are the 3 P's of earthquakes?
The 3 P's of earthquakes refer to Prediction, Protection, and Preparation, which are important concepts in earthquake safety and disaster management. Prediction focuses on understanding seismic activity, although exact earthquake timing cannot be determined. Protection involves reducing risks through safety measures, while Preparation includes planning, training, and organising resources before an earthquake occurs. Together, these strategies help people improve their ability to respond to seismic events.
Why are earthquakes more common in the Philippines?
The Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes because it is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with high tectonic activity. The movement and interaction of several tectonic plates beneath the region create frequent seismic activity. The country’s location near active faults and ocean trenches increases the likelihood of earthquakes, which is why earthquake awareness and preparation are important for communities across the Philippines.
How long does an earthquake usually last?
Felt shaking at a particular location often lasts from several seconds to a minute or more, although the duration varies with the earthquake’s magnitude, depth, distance and local ground conditions. Larger earthquakes may produce longer shaking, and aftershocks can continue for days, weeks or longer. Protect yourself until the movement has completely stopped and remain prepared for additional tremors.