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geological California · Pacific Northwest

Earthquake Preparedness Guide

Earthquake preparedness guide for US residents. Learn warning signs, immediate actions, and how to protect your family before, during, and after.

Average Warning Time: No warning time

Your emergency plan must be ready before a earthquake warning is issued.

Why Earthquake Preparedness Matters

The largest recorded earthquake in the U.S. was a magnitude 9.2 in Alaska. In the United States, earthquakes affect California and Pacific Northwest, but preparedness principles apply regardless of where you live.

The difference between a close call and a tragedy often comes down to preparation made weeks or months before the event. People who have rehearsed their evacuation routes, stocked their emergency kits, and established family communication plans consistently fare better than those who rely on improvisation under pressure.

What to Do Before a Earthquake

Before the threat arrives, your goal is to reduce risk, build supplies, and establish a clear plan. Start with a household meeting to assign roles — who grabs the emergency bag, who is responsible for pets, who picks up children from school if evacuation orders come during work hours.

Sign up for your local emergency alert system. Most counties have a free text and email notification service that will push earthquake warnings directly to your phone. This is faster and more reliable than TV or radio in the critical first minutes of a warning.

What to Do During a Earthquake

  • Drop, cover and hold on.
  • Stay indoors until shaking stops.
  • Avoid elevators and stairwells.
  • Check for injuries.

What to Do After a Earthquake

After a earthquake, resist the urge to return home or begin cleanup until authorities confirm it is safe. Document all damage with photos before making repairs or touching anything. Contact your insurance company immediately. If you are displaced, register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov — registration opens federal aid programs including temporary housing assistance, home repair grants, and low-interest disaster loans.

Monitor yourself and family members for signs of stress or trauma in the days and weeks following a earthquake. Crisis counseling and mental health resources are available through FEMA's Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990).

Most Affected Regions

Earthquakes most commonly affect California and Pacific Northwest in the United States. Residents in these areas should have earthquake-specific plans and know their local warning systems.

State Guides for Earthquake-Prone Areas

Alaska California Hawaii Idaho Montana Nevada New Mexico Oregon

Related Guides

Preparedness Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a earthquake?
Earthquake preparation starts before the threat arrives. Have a 72-hour emergency kit stocked with water, food, medications, and important documents. Know your local warning systems and have a household communication plan. Drop, cover and hold on..
What should I do immediately during a earthquake?
During a earthquake: Drop, cover and hold on. Stay indoors until shaking stops. Avoid elevators and stairwells. Check for injuries.
How much warning time do I have before a earthquake?
The typical warning time for a earthquake is No warning time. This is why having a pre-made plan and emergency kit is critical — there may not be time to gather supplies when the warning comes.
Which US regions are most affected by earthquakes?
Earthquakes most frequently affect California and Pacific Northwest. However, earthquakes can occur across a wider area — always check local hazard maps for your specific location.
What emergency supplies do I need for a earthquake?
For earthquake preparedness, your emergency kit should include: at least 1 gallon of water per person per day (for 7 days), non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, dust masks, and local maps.