How to survive an earthquake

The number of people killed each year by earthquakes averages out at 60,000, but it’s not possible to come up with an estimated number of how many will die in any year as earthquakes are situational. In 2023, there were 61,525 confirmed deaths from earthquakes, but the previous year only saw 1938 lives lost.

(Fortunately, this image isn’t real, but it doesn’t mean this level of damage wouldn’t be possible with a powerful enough earthquake)

There is often little to no warning before an earthquake hits, and people who live on fault lines can expect one to hit at any moment, day or night. Before we learn how to survive an earthquake, it’s important to know why and where they are likely to happen.

Why do earthquakes happen?

Our planet has a gigantic core of molten rock and metal, most of which is iron. The amount of heat and energy contained within the core is so powerful we can’t accurately measure it, but all of this heat and energy doesn’t just sit where it is. Above the core we have the mantle and then the crust, which is the solid surface we live on, but what lies underneath us isn’t quite as rigid. The mantle is extremely hot and acts as the barrier zone between the liquid super-heated core and the cooled and solidified surface, but it doesn’t come in one piece.

(A map showing the tectonic plates and their boundaries, called fault lines)

The crust is made of something called tectonic plates, of which there are 7 major plates and 8 minor plates that cover the entire planet. These plates are not connected and move around slightly, and when they move it sets off a huge series of ground tremours that can shake the earth so much it can collapse buildings and topple trees, an event called an earthquake. The most extreme earthquakes almost always happen directly on or right next to a major fault line, but they can be felt hundreds of miles from the site of the initial event, though they lose power quickly over distance.

How to Survive an Earthquake

As with any survival situation, Preparation is Key

If you live in an area where it’s possible to experience a powerful earthquake, then you should always prepare for one before it hits by doing the following:

Create an Emergency Plan

Discuss with your family and loved ones what to do in case of an earthquake. Designate safe spots in your home to go to if one hits, such as under sturdy furniture or next to a particularly strong section of wall.

Establish a meet-up point or a contact that everyone can communicate with in case they are seperated, or the earthquake hits while people are out during the day. Make sure people memorize the address or phone number of the mett-up point/ contact.

Practice earthquake drills to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go. As annoying as it may be, it’s worth practicing this in different scenarios, such as everyone starting seperated in the middle of the day, or while everyone is sleeping at night to see how fast they can get into position.

(It might be too dangerous to stay where you are, so having a plan to leave just in case is a good idea)

Prepare an Earthquake bug-out bag

This kit should be pre-packed and ready to grab before running out the door. It should be kept somewhere easily accessible and near an exit, and there should preferably be one kit per person. It should include:

• First aid supplies (bandages, disinfectants, medications)
• Water (at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
• Non-perishable food (for at least three days)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• A whistle to signal for help
• A multi-tool or wrench for turning off utilities
• Portable chargers for mobile devices
• Blankets, sturdy shoes, and extra clothing
• Cash and important documents (ID, insurance papers)

(An example of an earthquake bug-out bag, similar to a regular one but with a few extra important items, like documents and power sources)

Secure Your Home

If you live in an area that experiences earthquakes bad enough to actually damage a building, then your home should be made as earthquake-proof as possible to avoid things like flooding and explosions from ruptured gas pipes or torn wiring.

Bolt heavy furniture such as bookshelves and cabinets to the wall. Anything heavy enough to crush someone should be secured.

Secure water heaters and gas appliances to prevent leaks or fires. This can be done by using the flexible metal-mesh connectors wherever possible and wrapping duct tape around vulnerable areas of piping.

Avoid storing heavy items high up on shelves or anywhere they could fly off and injure someone.

Latch kitchen cabinets to prevent them from flying open or install racks to hold your kitchen wares so they can’t freely move around in their cupboards.
Know how to turn off your home’s gas, water, and electricity in case of leaks or damage and have the necessary tools to do so on standby and easily accessible.

Know Your Building’s Structure

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, be aware of the safety of your building. Older buildings may not be earthquake-resistant, so consider retrofitting your home to meet local building codes. Inquire whether your office, school, or workplace has earthquake preparedness measures in place.

(Getting trapped somewhere is always bad, and scenes like this are common during an earthquake)

During the Earthquake: Stay Calm and Take Action

When the ground starts to shake, you may only have a few seconds to react, and doing the right things straight away can make the difference between life and death.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Drop: Get down on your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.

Cover: Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (such as a desk or table). If nothing is available, crouch down near an interior wall, protecting your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows, glass, and anything that could shatter or fall.

Hold On: Hold onto the shelter or piece of furniture you’re under to keep it in place. If you’re not under furniture, continue protecting your head and neck.

Stay Where You Are

Indoors: Stay indoors until the shaking stops. Running outside may expose you to falling debris, glass, or electrical lines.

Outdoors: Move away from buildings, streetlights, trees, and utility wires. Stay in an open area, away from anything that could fall.

In a Vehicle: If driving, stop as quickly as possible in a safe location (away from overpasses, bridges, buildings, or trees). Remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

In a High-Rise Building

Stay away from windows and exterior walls.

Do not use elevators during or after the shaking as they may become stuck or malfunction.

Follow the building’s evacuation plan and move to safer areas if required.

If You’re Near the Coast

If you are near a body of water and feel an earthquake, it’s essential to move inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Earthquakes near the coast can trigger tsunamis, and the water can arrive within minutes. Do not wait for official warnings.

If You’re in Bed
Stay in bed and cover your head and neck with pillows. Most injuries during earthquakes occur from falling debris or broken glass when people try to move around.

(If the shaking is strong enough to topple buildings, there will always be people trapped within, many of which perish if they aren’t found within the first few hours)

After the Earthquake: Assess, Evacuate, and Stay Safe

After the initial shaking has stopped, there will still be plenty of danger in the zone of damage. Follow these steps to stay safe in the aftermath:

Check for Injuries
Check yourself and those around you for injuries. Administer first aid if needed, and avoid moving seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

Use a whistle or tap on a solid object if you are trapped under debris. Shouting should be avoided, as it could cause you to inhale dangerous dust.

Be Aware of Aftershocks
After the initial earthquake, aftershocks can occur, sometimes minutes or even hours later. These can be just as dangerous as the main earthquake, so be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on again if the shaking resumes.

Check for Hazards
Inspect your surroundings for hazards such as fires, gas leaks, damaged electrical lines, and structural damage to the building.

If you smell gas or hear hissing, turn off the gas supply immediately and leave the building. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical devices (such as phones) until you are certain it is safe.

If your building appears structurally unsound, evacuate carefully, watching for falling debris.

Evacuate Safely if Necessary

Use stairs, not elevators, when evacuating a damaged building.

If you live near the coast, follow tsunami evacuation routes and move to higher ground.

Be cautious of damaged roads, downed power lines, and weakened bridges.

(A good example of why it’s important to get out of certain buildings during an earthquake)

Stay Informed

Listen to battery-powered radios or emergency broadcasts for information on the situation, including aftershock warnings, road closures, and evacuation orders.

Use your phone sparingly to keep lines open for emergency responders, and text instead of calling when possible.

Reconnect with Loved Ones
Use your emergency contact plan to inform loved ones of your safety.
Social media can be useful for communicating during large disasters, but avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

Wait for Official All-Clear
Do not return to your home or the damaged area until local authorities have declared it safe. Buildings may appear stable but could collapse in aftershocks or due to hidden structural damage.

Long-Term Considerations

Seek Shelter and Supplies
After an earthquake, it might take time for emergency services to reach you. If your home is uninhabitable, seek shelter in a community center or emergency evacuation center.

Ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies to last at least 72 hours.

Document Damage
Take photos of any damage to your home or property for insurance purposes. Contact your insurance provider as soon as it is safe to do so.

Emotional Recovery
Surviving an earthquake can be emotionally traumatic. Be aware of signs of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression in yourself and others. Seek support from community services, mental health professionals, or support groups.

Learning how to survive an earthquake involves preparation, knowing what to do during the shaking, and staying safe in the aftermath. With a solid emergency plan, supplies on hand, and the knowledge of what steps to take, you can minimize the dangers and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Earthquakes can be frightening, but with the right knowledge and actions, they don’t have to be deadly.