Earthquakes can strike out of nowhere, and folks in the western United States really do face some of the country’s highest risks. From California’s web of fault lines to Alaska’s seismic zones, the ground might suddenly lurch and toss everything around in seconds. The best way to stay safe is to prepare before the shaking starts.
Preparation isn’t just about buying supplies. You need to know the hazards in your area, make a family communication plan, and do what you can to secure your home against damage. These steps help lower the chance of injury and make it easier for everyone to bounce back.
If you learn how to spot risks, protect your space, and practice proven safety procedures, you’ll feel a lot more confident when a quake hits. This guide covers everything from checking out local threats to what to do during and after the shaking.
Understanding Earthquake Risks in the Western United States
The western United States gets frequent seismic activity because of its tangled fault systems and active tectonic boundaries. The region’s geology brings a mix of tiny, frequent tremors and big, damaging quakes that can mess with homes and infrastructure.
Major Faults and Seismic Zones
The San Andreas Fault is probably the most famous one, stretching about 800 miles through California. It marks where the Pacific and North American plates meet.
Other big faults include the Hayward Fault in the Bay Area, the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the northern California, Oregon, and Washington coasts, and the Wasatch Fault in Utah.
These faults don’t all move the same way. The San Andreas and Hayward are strike-slip faults, so the plates slide past each other. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is different—it’s a convergent boundary and can trigger massive earthquakes and tsunamis.
A lot of these seismic zones overlap with cities and towns, which just increases the risk. If communities know where the faults are and how they behave, they can plan better for safety and emergency response.
Earthquake Frequency and Magnitude
Quakes in the West can be anything from tiny tremors to major events above magnitude 7.0. California alone gets thousands of small earthquakes every year, but honestly, most people don’t even feel them.
Big earthquakes don’t happen as often, but when they do, they can cause huge damage. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, for example, has produced magnitude 9.0 quakes before. The San Andreas Fault has also seen magnitude 7.0+ events.
Magnitude tells you how much energy the quake releases, while intensity is about how strongly people feel the shaking. Even moderate quakes can damage older buildings, especially if you’re close to the epicenter.
Patterns of seismic activity change from fault to fault. Scientists rely on historical records and geological research to guess how likely future events are. These guesses help shape building codes and safety plans.
USGS Earthquake Hazard Resources
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers detailed maps, hazard assessments, and monitoring tools for earthquake-prone areas. Their National Seismic Hazard Maps show where shaking is most likely.
USGS runs seismic networks that pick up and record earthquakes in real time. This data powers public alerts like the ShakeAlert system, which can warn people seconds before shaking starts.
They publish fault maps, earthquake records, and scenario studies to help communities understand what could happen. Most of these resources are free and kept up-to-date.
Residents and planners can use USGS info to spot local hazards and figure out building risks. Better access to this data means better decisions for safety and resilience.
Developing a Personal and Family Earthquake Preparedness Plan
A prepared household lowers the risk of injury and chaos during an earthquake. Clear communication plans, safe evacuation options, and plans for family members who need extra help can make a real difference.
Communication and Emergency Contacts
When an earthquake hits, phone networks might go down or get overloaded. Families should keep a printed list of local emergency numbers, an out-of-area contact, and other important contacts. Everyone should have a copy in their wallet, backpack, or emergency kit.
It’s smart to agree on a main way to check in, like text messages, since those often work when calls don’t. Pick a backup too, maybe email or a messaging app that works over Wi-Fi.
Some folks keep two-way radios or a satellite phone handy, especially in rural areas where cell towers might stay down longer.
Evacuation Routes and Meeting Points
Earthquakes can block roads or make buildings unsafe. Families should plan out two or more evacuation routes from home, work, and school. Try to steer clear of bridges, overpasses, and tall buildings that could drop debris.
Pick a primary meeting spot near home but in a safe, open area. Have a backup meeting place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t get back in.
Keep maps of these routes in your emergency kits and cars. Practicing the routes both during the day and at night helps everyone remember them under stress.
Special Considerations for Children and Pets
Kids need clear, simple directions about what to do during and after an earthquake. Practice drills at home so they match what schools do. Adults should know the school’s reunification process in case roads get blocked.
For pets, keep a pet emergency kit with food, water, meds, and a carrier or leash. Make sure your pets wear ID tags and have microchips for better chances of getting them back.
If local shelters don’t take animals, know where pet-friendly shelters are or make plans with friends outside the area. This avoids scrambling for options at the last minute.
Securing Your Home Against Earthquake Damage
A well-prepared home can really cut down on injuries and repair bills after a quake. Reinforcing weak spots, anchoring heavy stuff, and storing dangerous materials safely can make a big difference.
Identifying and Fixing Structural Hazards
If you live near active faults or in a quake-prone spot, check your home for weak points. Cripple walls, loose chimneys, and unbolted foundations are common issues. Bring in a licensed contractor or structural engineer to inspect and suggest retrofits.
Bracing cripple walls with plywood adds strength to the lower part of the house. Bolting the frame to the foundation keeps it from sliding off in a strong quake.
Older chimneys might need reinforcement or partial removal. Use metal straps to secure roof-to-wall connections and reduce collapse risk.
Key areas to check:
- Foundation bolts and plates
- Wall bracing in crawl spaces
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Chimney stability
Securing Furniture and Appliances
Heavy furniture and appliances can turn dangerous if they fall. Anchor tall bookcases, cabinets, and shelves to wall studs using metal brackets or straps.
Secure refrigerators, water heaters, and big electronics with appliance straps or special brackets. Use flexible gas and water connections on water heaters to prevent leaks.
Move items from high shelves to lower ones. Put non-slip mats under tabletop stuff and use latches on cabinet doors to keep them shut during shaking.
Examples of anchoring methods:
| Item | Recommended Securing Method |
|---|---|
| Bookcase | L-brackets into wall studs |
| Refrigerator | Appliance straps to wall |
| Water heater | Two metal straps + flexible connections |
Storing Flammable and Hazardous Materials
Earthquakes can knock over fuel, chemicals, or cleaning products, causing fire or health risks. Store these in sturdy cabinets with latches, away from heat sources.
Keep gasoline, propane, and paint thinners in approved safety containers. If you can, store them outside the main house in a shed or detached garage.
Label everything clearly. Don’t store chemicals that react with each other in the same spot, just in case something spills.
Secure propane tanks upright on a stable base with chains or straps to prevent tipping and gas leaks.
Building an Earthquake Emergency Kit
A good earthquake kit helps you stay safe and meet basic needs if services go down. It should have sturdy supplies, clean water, food, and medical items that are easy to grab.
Essential Supplies and Tools
You’ll want things that provide light, warmth, and basic safety. A flashlight with extra batteries is a must if the power goes out. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio lets you get emergency updates even if cell service is out.
Pack sturdy work gloves, a multi-tool, and duct tape for quick fixes or clearing debris. A whistle can help you get attention if you’re trapped.
A small fire extinguisher that works on different types of fires is handy in case of electrical or gas issues. Put important documents—like IDs, insurance, and emergency contacts—in a waterproof pouch.
Keep some cash in small bills since ATMs and card readers might not work after a quake.
Water and Food Storage Recommendations
Clean drinking water is the top priority. Store at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days—though two weeks is safer, especially in high-risk areas. Don’t forget extra water for pets.
Keep bottled water sealed and swap it out every 6–12 months. If space is tight, pack water purification tablets or a portable filter as backup.
Choose non-perishable foods like canned beans, veggies, tuna, peanut butter, and granola bars. Skip anything that needs a fridge or long cooking. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
Go for foods with plenty of calories and nutrients. Rotate your stock regularly to keep it fresh.
First Aid and Medical Items
A solid first aid kit should cover cuts, burns, sprains, and other minor injuries. Include bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, and tweezers.
Pack pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription meds in labeled containers. Try to keep at least a week’s supply of essential prescriptions.
Add instant cold packs, elastic bandages, and disposable gloves. A basic first aid manual is useful if you have to wait for professional help.
If someone needs specific medical supplies, like insulin or inhalers, store extras in a way that keeps them safe from heat and damage.
Utilizing Earthquake Early Warning Systems
Earthquake early warning systems can detect shaking seconds before it reaches people and infrastructure. These alerts give you a little time to take cover, stop machinery, or slow down trains.
How Earthquake Early Warning Works
An earthquake early warning (EEW) system doesn’t predict earthquakes. Instead, it detects the first seismic waves (P-waves), which move faster than the damaging S-waves.
Networks of ground sensors, run by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and partners, measure ground motion in real time. When the sensors pick up an earthquake, computers estimate its location, magnitude, and expected shaking.
If the system thinks shaking will reach certain areas, it sends alerts through connected services. Depending on how far you are from the epicenter, you might get a few seconds to a minute to react.
These alerts can also trigger automatic safety steps, like:
- Stopping trains to prevent derailments
- Shutting off gas lines to cut fire risk
- Opening fire station doors before the shaking starts
Setting Up Alerts and Notifications
In the western U.S., the ShakeAlert® system sends EEW messages to the public through phones, apps, and other systems. Many states also use Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which go to most cell phones automatically.
To get alerts, make sure you:
- Enable emergency alerts in your phone’s settings.
- Download approved apps like MyShake (CA), QuakeAlertUSA, or your state’s tool.
- Check local emergency management websites for other options.
Some workplaces and schools hook EEW systems into alarms or intercoms so everyone hears the warning, even if they don’t have a phone.
Test your alert settings now and then to make sure they work before you actually need them.
Practicing Earthquake Drills and Safety Procedures
Practicing what to do before an earthquake really helps people react fast when the ground suddenly shakes. If you run through drills a few times, you’ll probably feel less confused and have a better chance of avoiding injuries when it’s real.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On Technique
The Drop, Cover, and Hold On method stands out as the main safety action in the United States, and groups like the USGS and emergency agencies keep recommending it.
As soon as you notice shaking, you should:
- DROP to your hands and knees to keep from falling over.
- COVER your head and neck under something sturdy like a desk or table. If nothing’s close by, crouch next to an interior wall and stay away from windows.
- HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking is over.
This position protects your head and neck from things that might fall, and you can move quickly if your shelter shifts. If you’re inside, it’s safer to stay put than to run outside. That might seem odd, but outside, falling glass or debris can be way more dangerous.
If you’re in bed, just stay there, pull a pillow over your head, and don’t move until the shaking stops. People in wheelchairs should lock the wheels, lean forward, and use their arms to shield their head and neck.
Participating in the Great ShakeOut
The Great ShakeOut is this big annual earthquake drill that the USGS and local agencies support. Schools, workplaces, and entire communities use it to practice earthquake safety all at once.
During the drill, everyone practices Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if an actual earthquake is happening. The event usually includes checking emergency kits, looking over evacuation routes, and making sure communication plans work.
Some groups even practice what to do after the quake, like shutting off utilities or heading to a meeting spot. Adding these steps helps people build good habits and spot any weak points in their plans.
You can join in alone or with others, and signing up on the official ShakeOut website doesn’t cost anything. Out west, lots of regions host big events to get more people involved.
Staying Safe During and After an Earthquake
People can avoid getting hurt and stay safer if they act quickly during shaking, protect themselves from falling objects, and keep an eye out for new hazards once things calm down. Even after the main quake, stuff like utility damage, shaky buildings, and aftershocks can bring fresh risks.
Immediate Actions During Shaking
When the ground starts moving, the best thing to do is drop, cover, and hold on. Dropping to your hands and knees keeps you from getting knocked over.
If you’re inside, move away from windows, glass, or tall furniture. Take cover under a sturdy table or desk to protect yourself from falling things. If nothing’s available, crouch by an interior wall and use your arms to shield your head and neck.
If you’re outside, get to an open area, away from buildings, trees, and power lines. If you’re in a car, pull over somewhere safe, away from overpasses and utility poles, set the parking brake, and stay inside until it stops.
If you’re in bed, stay put and use a pillow to cover your head. That way, you avoid stepping on broken glass. Don’t use elevators during or right after shaking.
Checking for Hazards and Turning Off Utilities
Once the shaking stops, check for hazards before moving around. Broken glass, wobbly furniture, or falling debris can hurt you.
If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see damage to gas lines, shut off the main valve outside the building. Turn off water and electricity if there’s flooding, damaged wires, or sparks.
Don’t use matches, lighters, or electrical switches until you’re sure there’s no gas leak. Grab a battery-powered flashlight for light, just to be safe.
Stay away from damaged walls, chimneys, and ceilings, since they could collapse. If the building looks unsafe, leave and wait outside in a safe spot.
Managing Aftershocks and Debris
Aftershocks might hit just minutes after the main earthquake, or they could show up hours or even days later. Sometimes, they’re strong enough to knock down already weakened buildings or cause more damage.
If an aftershock starts, stick to the same drop, cover, and hold on routine. Don’t go back inside damaged buildings until someone has checked them out and said it’s safe.
Debris is everywhere after a quake—broken glass, nails, sharp bits of metal. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves if you have to walk through these areas. That’ll help keep you from getting cut or hurt.
If you see a downed power line, always assume it’s live. Stay at least 30 feet away, and call it in to the authorities right away.
Roads and bridges could be damaged too, so only travel if it’s absolutely necessary. Wait until you know it’s safe before heading out.