Earthquakes

What it is

An earthquake is sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement along faults deep underground. It comes without warning, and aftershocks can follow for days. Near the coast, a strong earthquake can cause a tsunami.

Who is at risk

People on the West Coast, in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico face the highest risk, but parts of the central US (the New Madrid zone), Utah, Nevada and South Carolina also have significant risk.

Get ready now

1. Secure heavy furniture, TVs and water heaters to the wall.
2. Store heavy and breakable items on low shelves.
3. Practice drop, cover and hold on with everyone in your home.
4. Keep shoes and a flashlight by each bed.
5. Store at least 3 days of water and food, and a first aid kit.
6. Learn how to shut off your gas, and only do so if you smell gas.
7. If you live on the coast, learn your tsunami evacuation route to high ground.

When it happens

1. Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
2. If you can't get under a table, get down next to an inside wall and cover your head and neck.
3. Stay inside. Don't run outside or stand in a doorway.
4. If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head and neck.
5. If you are driving, pull over away from bridges, overpasses and power lines, and stay in the car.
6. On the coast, if the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move to high ground as soon as it stops. Don't wait for an official warning.

After

1. Expect aftershocks. Drop, cover and hold on each time.
2. Check yourself and others for injuries.
3. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas company from outside.
4. Stay out of damaged buildings.
5. Text instead of calling to keep lines free for emergencies.
6. Photograph damage and contact your insurance company.

Official sources

• Ready.gov: Earthquakes
• Ready.gov: Tsunamis
• National Weather Service: Tsunami safety
• CDC: Earthquakes
• American Red Cross: Earthquake safety

This guide summarises public advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.