EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & SEISMIC SAFETY
Earthquake Safety Protocols & Survival Guide
Actionable guidelines, scenario-based safety procedures, emergency supply checklists, and post-quake response steps to protect lives during seismic events.
The 3 Pillars of Immediate Earthquake Survival
When shaking starts, remember: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Every second counts.
DROP
Drop onto your hands and knees immediately. This position prevents you from being knocked down while allowing you to remain mobile if you need to crawl to shelter.
COVER
Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows, hanging objects, and tall furniture.
HOLD ON
Hold on to your shelter with one hand and protect your head/neck with the other until all shaking stops. Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.
Earthquake Shaking Intensity Spectrum (MMI)
Understanding Modified Mercalli Intensity levels and expected structural impact.
MMI I - IV: Light Shaking
Felt indoors by many. Hanging objects swing gently. No structural damage.
MMI V - VI: Moderate Shaking
Felt by everyone. Heavy furniture shifts. Plaster cracks may develop.
MMI VII - VIII: Strong / Severe
Difficulty standing. Chimneys crumble. Partial collapse in unreinforced masonry.
MMI IX - XII: Extreme / Violent
General panic. Frame structures destroyed. Major ground cracking and landslides.
Earthquake Safety Myths vs. Scientific Facts
Debunking dangerous misconceptions with verified seismological guidelines.
MYTH: Stand in a Doorway During Shaking
FACT: Modern doorways are no stronger than surrounding walls and leave you vulnerable to swinging doors and falling items. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk.
MYTH: Run Outdoors Immediately
FACT: Running while the ground shakes dramatically increases risk of falling and injury from glass, tiles, and power lines. Stay inside until shaking stops.
MYTH: Triangle of Life Theory
FACT: Verified research by USGS and Red Cross confirms that taking shelter under a sturdy table or desk provides far superior protection than crouching beside items.
Scenario-Based Safety Protocols
Customized action plans depending on your immediate environment when a quake hits.
Indoors (Home or Office)
Stay inside! Do not run outdoors. Move away from glass, mirrors, heavy bookcases/cabinets, and light fixtures. Never use elevators during or after a quake.
In a Moving Vehicle
Pull over safely to the side of the road away from overpasses, bridges, utility wires, and large trees. Keep your seatbelt fastened and wait inside until shaking stops.
Coastal / Tsunami Danger Zone
If severe shaking lasts more than 20 seconds near a coast, move immediately inland or to higher ground (30m / 100ft above sea level). Do not wait for official tsunami sirens.
Outdoors / Open Spaces
Move into an open clearing away from buildings, streetlights, utility poles, and brick facades. Drop to the ground and cover your head until tremors cease.
In Bed or Low Mobility
If in bed, stay there! Turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow. If using a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect your head with your arms.
Home Retrofitting & Disaster Action Plan
Proactive steps to harden your living space against seismic tremors.
Anchor Heavy Furniture & Appliances
Secure bookcases, water heaters, refrigerators, and large televisions to wall studs using heavy-duty straps or L-brackets.
Install Cabinet Safety Latches
Equip kitchen and medicine cabinets with positive latches to prevent glass and heavy objects from crashing onto floors.
Establish Family Communication Plan
Designate an out-of-area emergency contact person and establish primary and secondary outdoor reunion spots.
72-Hour Emergency Survival Supply Checklist
Essential supplies to keep in an accessible waterproof Go-Bag for home and vehicle.
Post-Earthquake Immediate Actions
1. Check for Gas Leaks
If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open windows and evacuate immediately. Shut off the main gas valve if trained. Do NOT flip light switches or ignite matches.
2. Prepare for Aftershocks
Aftershocks can occur minutes, hours, or days after the main shock. Expect secondary shaking and be prepared to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.
3. Inspect Structural Integrity
Visually inspect walls, ceilings, and foundations for severe cracks or structural displacement before re-entering buildings.
4. Use Text Messaging
Keep phone lines open for emergency services. Use SMS or messaging apps to notify family members of your safety.
Regional Emergency Contacts & Early Warning Systems
North America
US & Canada: 911 | ShakeAlert System
Mexico (SASMEX Alert)
Mexico: 911 | SASMEX Alerts | SSN (55 5622 2222)
Chile (CSN / Red Emergency)
Chile: 131 (Ambulancia) | 132 (Bomberos) | 133 (Carabineros)
Japan (JMA / EEW System)
Japan: 119 (Fire/Ambulance) | 110 (Police) | JMA EEW
Official Seismic Emergency Resources
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Official real-time seismic monitoring, hazard maps, and research from the U.S. Geological Survey.
usgs.gov โFEMAReady.gov Earthquake Preparedness
Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines for disaster planning and emergency kits.
ready.gov โRED CROSSAmerican Red Cross Safety Guide
Community shelter info, emergency recovery support, and first-aid instructions.
redcross.org โIn-Depth Earthquake Safety Articles
Comprehensive guides on structural evaluation, emergency readiness, and family disaster action plans.