What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake: Essential Steps for Safety and Preparedness
Earthquakes can strike suddenly, shaking the ground and turning daily life upside down in seconds. While it's impossible to predict exactly when or where an earthquake will happen, you can prepare yourself and your loved ones to respond quickly and safely when it does.
Knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake can reduce injuries, protect your home, and save lives. Whether you live in an earthquake-prone area or are just passing through, taking the right precautionary steps ahead of time—such as securing heavy furniture and making an emergency plan—can make all the difference. And understanding how to act during the shaking and stay safe afterward is just as crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake. We’ll also highlight practical tools, including how a portable power station can keep you connected and powered when the grid fails.
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Preparation is your best defense against earthquake hazards. Here are key steps to get ready:
1. Create an Emergency Kit
Prepare a kit stocked with essentials to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours:
Fire extinguisher
First aid supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Bottled water and non-perishable food for at least 3 days
2. Learn Basic Safety Skills
Know how to:
Perform basic first aid
Turn off your home's gas, water, and electricity in case of leaks or damage
3. Secure Your Home
Anchor heavy furniture and appliances to walls or floors
Remove or secure items on high shelves
Repair structural issues like cracks in walls or ceilings
4. Make a Family Earthquake Plan
Choose a safe meeting point outside your home
Practice drop, cover, and hold-on drills with family members
Know your child’s school or your workplace’s earthquake plan
5. Prepare Backup Power Solutions
Power outages are common after earthquakes, and being prepared with a reliable emergency power solution is essential to keep communication devices, medical equipment, and lights running during and after a quake.
In such situations, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Portable Power Station is a versatile solution to ensure you're ready when the power goes out:
OneClick Backup: With a simple press of a button, the DELTA 3 instantly powers up, providing you with backup electricity when you need it most. This ease of use is invaluable during emergencies, when every second counts and you need reliable power right away.
Built for Tough Conditions: Designed with an IP65-rated water resistance, the DELTA 3 is durable enough to withstand the elements, making it the perfect solution for post-earthquake situations, including flooding or debris. With its rugged exterior and shockproof design, it’s ready for anything.
Fast Charging: In the chaos of a disaster, power restoration can take days. Thanks to EcoFlow's X-Stream technology and 1500W AC input, the DELTA 3 charges from 0-100% in just 56 minutes. A quick 30-minute charge can provide hours of emergency backup, ensuring you have power when you need it most, even during extended outages.
Taking these proactive steps now can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Earthquake preparedness starts before the shaking begins—ensure you're equipped with the right backup power to stay safe and connected later.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Portable Power Station
What to Do During an Earthquake
Knowing the right actions to take during an earthquake can protect you from injury and save lives. Follow these safety tips depending on where you are:
If You Are Indoors
Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under sturdy furniture like a table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, and heavy furniture that could fall.
Avoid doorways unless you know it is a strongly supported frame.
If you are in bed, stay there—cover your head and neck with a pillow.
Do not use elevators.
If You Are Outdoors
Move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, trees, and streetlights.
Drop to the ground and protect your head and neck.
Avoid crowds or areas where debris could fall.
If You Are Driving
Pull over safely to the side of the road.
Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
Avoid stopping under bridges, overpasses, or near trees.
Turn on your radio to listen for emergency updates.
Remaining calm and following these steps will help you stay safe until the shaking ends.
What to Do After an Earthquake
After the shaking stops, your safety and the safety of those around you remain the top priority. Here are important steps to take after an earthquake:
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if necessary and seek emergency medical help for serious injuries.
Inspect Your Surroundings: Look for hazards such as gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring, broken glass, or structural damage. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate immediately and report it to the authorities.
Turn Off Utilities if Needed: If you suspect damage to water, gas, or electricity lines, turn off the utilities at the main valves or switches to prevent fires or flooding.
Stay Informed: Use a battery-powered radio or your phone (only for emergencies) to listen for official updates and instructions.
Avoid Damaged Buildings: Do not enter buildings that look unsafe or have sustained visible damage.
Prepare for Aftershocks: Be aware that aftershocks can occur minutes, days, or even weeks after the initial quake and can cause further damage. Take cover if they happen.
Communicate Your Status: Let family and friends know you are safe, but keep phone lines clear for emergency use. Register on disaster websites if available.
Help Others: Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance such as the elderly or disabled.
Taking these steps helps protect lives, reduce injury, and speed recovery.
What Not to Do During and After an Earthquake
Knowing what not to do during and after an earthquake is just as important as knowing the right actions. Here are some key things to avoid:
Do Not Run Around Indoors: Running can cause falls or injuries from falling objects. Instead, stay put and take cover until the shaking stops.
Avoid Doorways: Contrary to popular belief, doorways do not provide adequate protection from falling debris or flying objects. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture instead.
Do Not Use Elevators: Elevators may get stuck or malfunction during a quake, putting you at risk of being trapped. Use stairs if evacuation is necessary after the shaking.
Do Not Light Matches or Use Open Flames: After an earthquake, gas leaks are common and open flames can trigger fires or explosions. Wait until authorities confirm it is safe.
Avoid Driving Unless Absolutely Necessary: Roads may be damaged, blocked, or congested with emergency vehicles. Stay off the roads to keep them clear for responders.
Don’t Ignore Aftershocks: Aftershocks can cause additional damage and injuries. Be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on again.
Don’t Flood Communication Lines: Avoid making non-emergency phone calls to keep lines open for emergency services.
By avoiding these risky behaviors, you help keep yourself and others safer during an already dangerous time.
Conclusion
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but being prepared can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones. By understanding what to do before, during, and after an earthquake — and also what to avoid — you can significantly reduce risks and recover faster.
Take time now to secure your home, make a clear family plan, gather emergency supplies, and practice safety drills. When shaking starts, remember to drop, cover, and hold on until it’s safe. Afterward, stay alert, check for hazards, and follow official instructions. Preparation and calm action are your best tools when facing an earthquake. Stay safe and be ready.
FAQs
What are the 5 steps to earthquake safety?
The five key steps to earthquake safety are:
Drop, cover, and hold on during shaking to protect yourself from falling objects;
Secure heavy furniture and appliances before a quake to prevent injuries;
Create an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and first aid;
Develop a family communication and meeting plan;
After the quake, check for injuries, hazards like gas leaks, and stay alert for aftershocks.
What did I do after an earthquake?
After an earthquake, you should first check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid if needed. Inspect your surroundings for hazards such as gas leaks, electrical damage, or structural instability, and turn off utilities if necessary. Stay informed via battery-powered radio, avoid entering damaged buildings, prepare for aftershocks, communicate your safety status to family, and assist neighbors who may need help.
What comes before an earthquake?
Before an earthquake, preparation is crucial. This includes securing heavy furniture and appliances, assembling an emergency kit with water, food, and first aid supplies, and creating a family emergency plan with safe meeting points. Practice earthquake drills regularly, learn how to turn off utilities, and identify safe spots in your home. These precautionary steps can reduce injuries and damage when the quake strikes.