One of the most difficult disasters to prepare for is an earthquake. It’s true that we know where earthquakes are more likely to strike but that doesn’t give us the ability to predict when and pinpoint exactly where these tremors will happen next.
What we can do is prepare for when it happens, if it happens.
Before anything else, you should know that scientists and other experts believe that the Earth is pretty ripe for another major earthquake, known simply as the Big One. If this proves true, everyone residing on or near the San Andreas Fault will be at a risk. A major earthquake like the one that happened in 1857 is expected during this lifetime. Since 2006, the San Andreas Fault has already been at a stress level that’s worse than when your in-laws coming over for the weekend unannounced. It’s a matter of time before we experience the next Big One.
Preparing for an Earthquake
There are places that are prone to earthquakes such as Turkey, Indonesia, Japan, and California in the United Sates. If you happen to live in any of these places, you may want to consider moving so you won’t have to deal with the high risk level. If that’s not an option at this time, you should make the necessary preparations to help increase your chances of surviving an earthquake.
Earthquake Preparedness Plan
Once an earthquake hits, you should know what to do. It all begins with planning. Make a thorough plan, which should include what to do to stay out of harm. Each member of the household should also now what their definite roles are within the group. You also need to discuss to everyone how your evacuation plan will unfold. Once you have your evacuation plan down pat, you should have drills to practice it and see if it’s fool proof. Practicing this regularly will also ensure that everyone gets to do what they need to do when disaster strikes.
Drop, Cover and Hold
Once an earthquake hits, the first thing to do is to “drop, cover, and hold.” Practice this until it becomes second nature to you. This will increase your chances of surviving the earthquake.
Evacuation Plan
Once the authorities order an evacuation, you must act fast. Remember what you’ve been practicing all this time. For an evacuation plan to be successful, you need to have everything and everyone ready to go.
Bug Out Bags
For the first part, you should have your individual emergency kits prepared. Your bug out bags should be equipped with enough food, water and other supplies necessary for your survival in the next three days or so. These grab bags, as the name implies, should be easy to grab. That means they should be kept somewhere easy to reach.
Get Home Bag
Keep another emergency bag in your place of work. This get home bag will help you get home to your family in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake.
Bug Out Vehicle
You also need a bug out vehicle ready for your evacuation. Make sure your car is filled with extra supplies. Of course, you also need supplies necessary for your car to keep running. Some preppers prefer not to keep fuel inside the vehicle since it’s not entirely safe. If you feel the same, you should keep fuel in your bug out location.
Bug Out Location
Choose a place that’s far from where you are and from everyone else. The location should be in a secluded area so your lives and supplies will not easily be compromised. Stock up on food, water and other survival needs in your safe house.
If you don’t have a secluded place to turn into your bug out location, you can make arrangements with a relative or close friend for them to be your rendezvous point. They should also be ready to call everyone after a disaster to make sure all are safe. Since they will be taking you and your family in, it’s just right that you stock up on supplies in their home, as well. This lessens the burden of them having you for an extended period.
Before you get to your rendezvous point, you should have thought of everything. Look at all the possible routes leading to safety. Plot the nearest course and appoint it as your first choice. In case this route is compromised, you should have alternate routes. Once you’ve plotted all possible routes, get in your car and drive around. See for yourself if the roads are easy to travel. Take note of areas with high structures. There’s a possibility that the roads will be blocked or filled with debris.
Earthquake Emergency Kit
Most prepping and survival sites suggest an emergency kit with food and water good for three days. This is the ideal amount though you can always go beyond since you’re never sure if things will go back to normal after just 72 hours. The problem with this is that your bug out bag will get a little too heavy for comfort. In case you need to walk to your destination, you’ll be carrying the bag on your back.
Bring one gallon of water per day for each person. This should be enough for drinking, cooking and other needs. Small children can only carry so much so you may need to burden yourself a little more. Pack non-perishable food such as MREs, canned goods, energy bars, dried goods, and such. Don’t forget your can opener, cookset, and eating utensils.
Flashlights, lanterns, headlamps and other light sources are also essential. There’s a good chance that power will be out after an earthquake. Pack waterproof matches lighters, magnesium flint rods, tinder and other stuff you need to build a fire. You’ll need one to cook food and boil water. Fir also provides warmth and light and acts as an emergency signal, too.
Keep a battery-operated or hand crank radio in your packs. You’ll also need you phones, chargers and power banks for communication and for staying up-to-date. In case electricity is down, you’ll be better off with a HAM or CB radio.
If you weren’t hurt during the earthquake, don’t think you’re unbreakable like the Bruce Willis character. You can still end up with an injury if you’re not careful, especially with all the debris and possible chaos that may ensue. Pack a first aid kit and train how to apply immediate medical aid.
Don’t forget medications if you or someone in the family suffers from an existing condition. If you have an infant, bring baby formula, baby food, bottles and diapers. Pack whatever they may need such as a hearing aid and medications if there’s an elderly with you.
Aside from the ones in your bag, you should have supplies at home.
During the Earthquake
When Inside Your Home
We already talked about these three important words – drop, cover and hold on. Once you feel the earthquake, these are things you should instantly do. Stop moving around and drop into a curl. Don’t forget to protect your head, especially if there are people scampering around. Many people think running for the exit is the correct thing to do. It’s better if you just stay where you are and protect yourself. The only time you should head out while it’s still shaking is when you notice a gas leak or if a fire breaks out.
While Lying in Bed
If you’re in bed when the shaking starts, stay there. Just curl up and cover your head with a pillow. Get off the bed only if there’s something above you that may fall on you.
When In A Building
It sucks to be in a tall building when the shaking starts. You can really feel the building shaking when you’re on any of the top floors. If you’re at the bottom floors, you can be crushed.
Don’t try to exit the building during an earthquake. Never head for the elevator and stairs. Wait until the shaking has stopped. Once it does, you should still avoid the elevator. Just stay away from the windows, cabinets, shelves, and other pieces of furniture that could fall over.
Don’t hide in small or tight spaces. If you’re in a restroom or a hallway with just one exit, head out as fast as you can and find a safer place to drop, cover and hold on. Avoid door frames but if you still can, secure the door so it stays open. It’s possible that the frame may bend and keep you from opening the door.
When Outdoors
You’re not out of danger if you’re outdoors when an earthquake happens. You still need to find an open area if you’re under tall structures. If you’re driving, get away from bridges, underpasses, power lines, posts, tress, and buildings. Pull over in a safe area, turn the engine off, switch the hazard lights on, and wait it out.
After the Earthquake
Avoid opening your mouth if you’re trapped under rubble. Shouting for help will only make you inhale dust and other dangerous particles. Find something you can use to make some noise. Tap gently on the wall or an exposed pipe three times in a continuous manner to signify you need help. It’s ideal to have an emergency whistle with you all the time so you can make it easier for rescuers to pinpoint where you are.
If you managed to come out of the earthquake without a scratch, you should still be careful. Structures would have been weakened by the shaking. That means it’s possible for the structure to collapse, especially if there’s an aftershock. Watch out for debris, especially broken glass, which can injure you. Broken pipe lines are also dangerous. If you notice one, get away as far as possible. Once you’re in the clear, call your loved ones to make sure everyone’s fine.
Please comment below if you have more tips on what to do to stay safe during and after an earthquake. The more we know, the better our chances of surviving such disasters. You can also check out The Gentleman Pirate for more tips and tricks on surviving earthquakes and other disasters and emergency situations.
Up Next: What Would I Do I to Survive A Winter Storm
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services.
Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
