Secure Heavy Furniture and Appliances
Tall furniture — bookshelves, armoires, refrigerators, filing cabinets — should be anchored to wall studs with anti-tip straps. Water heaters and large appliances should be strapped with flexible connectors and properly braced. Many hardware stores sell earthquake-specific securing kits for under $20.
Know Where Your Utilities Are
Locate your gas, water, and electrical shutoffs before an earthquake. Gas leaks following an earthquake are a leading cause of earthquake-related fires. Practice shutting off each utility. Keep a wrench near the gas meter. After any significant earthquake, walk your property and check for gas smell before re-entering.
Identify Safe Spots in Every Room
Walk through every room and identify the safest spot — typically under a sturdy desk or table, away from windows, skylights, and heavy items that could fall. Agree on safe spots with all household members. Practice getting there quickly from wherever you normally sit, sleep, or work.
Secure Overhead Hazards
Heavy items stored on high shelves can become projectiles during shaking. Move heavy items to lower shelves. Use museum putty or earthquake wax to secure decorative items and frames. Install security latches on kitchen cabinets to prevent dishes from spilling onto the floor.
Assess Your Building's Structural Risk
Identify your building type and year of construction. Unreinforced masonry buildings (brick, concrete block without steel reinforcement) built before 1980 carry the highest collapse risk. "Soft story" buildings — wood-frame apartments over open parking garages — are particularly vulnerable. Consult a licensed structural engineer if you suspect high risk.
Create a Household Communication Plan
Designate an out-of-state contact person for all family members to check in with after a major earthquake — local lines may be overwhelmed but long-distance calls sometimes get through. Choose a neighborhood meeting place if you cannot return home. Teach all household members how to send text messages, which use less network bandwidth than calls.
Know Your Building's Evacuation Routes
Identify at least two exit routes from every room and the building itself. Practice walking them in the dark — power may be out. Keep your main exit path clear of obstructions. If you live in a tsunami zone, know your evacuation route to higher ground.
