Earthquake

Safety
Checklist
FEMA B-526 / November 2017
Important Numbers and Addresses
Your family may not be together when an

911
earthquake strikes, so use the spaces below
to record information that will help you
communicate with one another. Remember,
during the first 24 hours following a major
earthquake, use your telephone only in case of
Call 911 an emergency (see page 9). You may be able
for emergencies to text message before being able to make
phone calls.

Name and telephone/cell phone _________________________

Work address _______________________________________

Name and telephone/cell phone _________________________

Work address _______________________________________

Name and school telephone/cell phone ___________________

School address ______________________________________
School policy:  Hold student  Release student

Name and school telephone/cell phone ___________________

School address ______________________________________
School policy:  Hold student  Release student

Name and school telephone/cell phone ___________________

School address ______________________________________
School policy:  Hold student  Release student

Name and school telephone/cell phone ___________________

School address ______________________________________
School policy:  Hold student  Release student

Name and telephone/cell phone number of an out-of-town

relative or friend who can act as a point-of-contact for separated
family members: _____________________________________
___________________________________________________

Location of Disaster Supplies Kit: ________________________

___________________________________________________

2 Earthquake Safety Checklist

Earthquake Hazards in the United
States
Highest
Hazard

Lowest
Hazard

2014 United States Geological Survey Seismic Hazard Map

Are You Prepared for the Next

Earthquake?
This booklet is designed to help you and your
family plan for and survive a major earthquake.
By taking action to be prepared, you can lessen
the impact of an earthquake on your family. Set
aside some emergency supplies and make a
plan for what to do at home before, during and
after a disaster. You could be without help for at
least 72 hours, or as long as two weeks. Self-sufficiency during
this time is key.

Movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of death

or injury. Most casualties result from partial building collapse
and falling objects and debris, such as toppling chimneys,
falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. Many of these
conditions are easily preventable.

Because earthquakes occur without warning, it’s important to

take steps now to prepare, especially if you live in Very High and
High earthquake risk areas.

Knowing what you can do and how to respond with constructive

and protective actions, can make yourself, your family, and your
home safer. Consult your local Building Department if you are
unsure of the earthquake hazard in your area.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 3

Have on Hand for Any Emergency
Ideas for Home, Workplace, and Car
Because you don’t know where you will be when an earthquake
occurs, prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for your home,
workplace, and car.

 Food. It’s always a practical idea to keep

a supply of non-perishable food on hand that
can be rotated into your diet and replenished
on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply
of canned or dehydrated food, powdered
milk, and canned juices for at least 72 hours,
preferably two weeks. Dried cereals and fruits and non-salted
nuts are good sources of nutrition. Keep the following points in
mind:

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free

crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned goods with high
liquid content.
• Stock foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water,
or special preparation. You may already have many of these
on hand.
• Remember to include foods for infants and those with
special dietary needs.
• You should also have kitchen accessories and cooking
utensils; especially a manual can opener.

 Flashlights and spare batteries. Keep

a flashlight beside your bed, at your place of
work, and in your car. Do not use matches
or candles after an earthquake until you are
certain that no gas leaks exist. Use a wind-
up powered generator to have unlimited
emergency power.

 Water. Store at least 1 gallon of water per

person per day and be prepared for at least
a 72-hour period. A normally active person
needs at least a ½ gallon of water daily just for
drinking. In determining adequate quantities,
take the following into account:

• Individual needs vary depending on age, physical condition,

activity, diet, and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water
needed.
• A medical emergency might require more water.

4 Earthquake Safety Checklist

Bottled Water
Have commercially bottled water on hand for emergencies. Keep
bottled water in its original container and do not open it until
needed. Pay close attention to the expiration or “use by” date.
Store water in plastic containers.

If you choose to prepare your own containers of water, buy

air-tight, food-grade water storage containers from surplus or
camping supply stores. Clean them with dish soap and water,
and rinse them completely before filling. Keep all water in a
cool dark place. Water stored in your own containers should be
replaced about every 6 months.

Purifying Water
If bottled water is unavailable or you have questions about the
quality of water, purify before drinking. Below are three ways to
purify water:

Boiling. Boiling is the best and safest method of purifying water.

First, if water is cloudy, let it settle and then filter it through a
clean cloth or coffee filter. Then, heat the water to a rolling boil
for one full minute. At altitudes above 5,000 feet, boil water for
three minutes.

Bleach. If you are not able to boil water, you can use regular
household bleach to purify it. Do not use scented, color safe
bleach or bleach with added cleansers, as the added chemicals
might be harmful. The amount of bleach depends on the strength
of the bleach and how clear the water is, as shown below.

Volume of Amount of bleach to add if water is:

Water
Clear Cloudy/Very Cold

1 quart/liter 2 drops 4 drops

1 gallon 6 drops 12 drops

2 gallons 12 drops 1/4 tsp.

*Assumes bleach contains 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. (Source: https://www.epa.
gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water).

If the water is cloudy, let it settle and filter through a clean cloth
or coffee filter. Add bleach according to the table above, stir, and
let stand for 30 minutes. Water should have a slight bleach odor.
If it doesn’t, repeat the dosage and let it stand for another 15
minutes. If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find
another source of water.

Water disinfection tablets. You can disinfect water with tablets

that contain chlorine, iodine, chlorine dioxide, or other disinfect-
ing agents. These are available online or at pharmacies and
sporting goods stores. Follow the instructions on the product
label as each product may have a different strength.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 5

  Portable, battery-powered radio or
television and spare batteries. Most
telephones will be out of order or used for
emergency purposes, so portable radios or
digital televisions will be your best source
of information. You may also want to have
a battery-powered citizens band (CB) radio,
other two-way radio, or wind-up powered radio.

 First aid kit and manual. Keep a first aid

kit and emergency reference material such as
a first aid book or free information available
via FEMA Ready (http://www.ready.gov/
publications) at home and in your car. Have
members of your household take basic first aid
and CPR courses.

 Fire extinguishers. Keep a fire extinguisher

at home and in your car. Some extinguishers
are good only for certain types of fires
- electrical, grease, or gas. Class ABC
extinguishers are designed for safe use on any
type of fire. Your fire department can show you
how to properly use an extinguisher.

 Special needs. Keep a supply of special

needs items, such as medications, extra
eyeglasses, contact lens solutions, hearing aid
batteries, items for infants (formula, diapers,
bottles, and pacifiers), sanitation and hygiene
items (moist towelettes and toilet paper), and
any other items unique to your family’s needs.

 Prepare customized emergency plans

for people with disabilities in advance.
Whether small or widespread, emergencies
can pose special challenges for individuals
with disabilities. Make more than one exit from
your home wheelchair-accessible in case the
primary exit is blocked in a disaster.

 Tools. In addition to a pipe wrench and

crescent/adjustable wrench (for turning off gas
and water valves), you should have a lighter, a
supply of matches in a waterproof container,
and a whistle for signaling rescue workers.

Pipe Wrench Crescent/Adjustable

Wrench

6 Earthquake Safety Checklist

  Important papers and cash. Be sure to
have a supply of cash for use if ATMs, banks,
and credit card systems are not operating.
Also, keep copies of credit and identification
cards and important documents, such as
insurance policies and financial records.

 Clothes. If you live in a cold climate, you

must think about warmth because you might
not have heat after an earthquake. Think about
your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure
to have one complete change of clothing and
shoes per person, including the following:

• jacket or • long pants

coat
• sturdy shoes
• long sleeve shirt
• sleeping bag warm
• hat, mittens or blanket (one per
gloves, and scarfs person)

 Pet needs. Identify a shelter area for your

pet, gather the necessary supplies, ensure
that your pet has proper ID and up-to-date
veterinarian records, and make sure you have
a pet carrier and a leash.

Home Preparedness
In the event of an earthquake, you may be instructed to shut off
the utility services at your home. Teach responsible members
of your family how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water at
valves and main switches. Consult your local utilities if you need
more information.

You can shut off all water to your property by finding the water
meter box (usually at the street or sidewalk). Inside the water
meter box, you will see a valve that is similar to the valve on
your gas meter. Turn it the same direction as you would your gas
valve. Based on your geographic location, the water main shut-
off valve may be located inside your home.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 7

 Circuit Box with Shut-Off Pull out Electrical Cartridge
Step 1: Shut off individual Fuses
breaker. Step 1: Pull out individual fuses.
Step 2: Shut off main breaker. Step 2: Pull out main fuses.

Caution: Do not shut off gas unless an emergency exists. If gas

is ever turned off, a professional must restore service.

Earthquake Hazard Hunt

You can identify potential dangers in your home by conducting
an earthquake hazard hunt. Knowledge of the issues below and
actions taken to mitigate them can decrease your risk of damage
and/or injury from an earthquake.

Some possible hazards are:

• Tall, heavy furniture that could topple, such as bookcases,

china cabinets, or modular wall units.
• Water heaters that could be pulled away from pipes and
rupture.
• Appliances that could move enough to rupture gas or
electrical lines.
• Hanging plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks.
• Heavy picture frames or mirrors over a bed.
• Latches on kitchen cabinets or other cabinets that will not
hold the door closed during shaking.
• Breakables or heavy objects that are kept on high or open
shelves.
• A masonry chimney that could crumble and fall through an
unsupported roof.
• Flammable liquids, such as painting or cleaning products,
which would be safer in a garage or outside shed.

Take steps to correct these hazards — secure or relocate heavy

items, as appropriate. To learn more about home hazards, view
the Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt, FEMA 528 at:
http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3261

8 Earthquake Safety Checklist

Family Earthquake Drill
It’s important to know what to do for protection when your home
starts to shake. By planning and practicing what to do before an
earthquake occurs, you can condition yourself and your family to
react correctly and spontaneously when the first jolt or shaking
is felt. An earthquake drill can teach your family what to do in an
earthquake.

• Each family member should know to Drop, Cover, and Hold

On when they feel an earthquake. If they can cover in a safe
spot, they should do so, but they should not attempt to move
during an earthquake, as the risk of injury is much higher.

• Safe spots: The best places to be are under heavy pieces

of furniture, such as a desk or sturdy table and against
inside walls

• Danger spots: Be aware of the dangers associated with

breaking window glass, falling objects, falling mirrors, falling
chimneys, and toppling of tall, unsecured pieces of furniture

• Reinforce this knowledge by physically placing yourself in

the safe locations. This is especially important for children.
Be aware of a possible tsunami if you live in a coastal area.
Some communities have local tsunami hazard maps and
warning systems.

• Be prepared to evacuate in a tsunami

emergency Some communities have
high ground or safe areas identified as
Tsunami Evacuation Sites.

• In the days or weeks after this exercise,

hold surprise drills.

• Be prepared to deal with what you may

experience after an earthquake — both
physically and emotionally.

How to Ride Out the Earthquake

Limit your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a
nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped
and you are sure it is safe to leave.
If you are indoors:
• Drop, Cover, and Hold On — Take cover
under a sturdy desk, table, or bench, or
against an inside wall, and hold on. If
there is no desk or table near you, cover
your face and head with your arms and
crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Do not use elevators.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside

doors and walls, and anything that could
fall, such as lighting fixtures and furniture.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 9

 • If you are in bed when the earthquake
strikes, stay there. Hold on and protect
your head with a pillow, unless you are
under a heavy light fixture that could fall.
In that case, move to the nearest safe
place.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it

is safe to go outside. Most injuries during
earthquakes occur when people are hit
by falling objects while entering or leaving
buildings.

• Be aware that electricity may go out or

that sprinkler systems or fire alarms may
turn on.

If you are outdoors:

• Stay there.

• Move away from buildings, trees,

streetlights, and utility wires.

If you are in a car:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits, pull to

the side of the road, and stay in the car.

• Use a GPS tracking device or satellite

messenger to send an emergency
assistance request if there is a severe
medical emergency. A satellite messenger
device is an advanced GPS, which is
able to send your exact GPS coordinates
and selected messages over commercial
satellites to tell others of your location and
status.

• Avoid stopping near or under buildings,

trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• Do not attempt to drive across bridges or

overpasses that have been damaged.

• Proceed cautiously after the earthquake

has stopped, watching for road and bridge
damage.

If you are in a public transportation

vehicle:

• Listen to or become familiar with public

transportation emergency plans.

10 Earthquake Safety Checklist

 If you are trapped under debris:

• Do not light a match.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or

clothing. Do not move about or kick up
dust.

• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can

find you. Use a whistle if one is available.

• Shout only as a last resort — shouting

can cause you to inhale dangerous
amounts of dust.

When the Ground Stops Shaking

Check for Injuries. If anyone has stopped
breathing, follow the American Heart
Association’s guidelines on CPR. Stop
any bleeding injury by applying direct
pressure to the wound. Do not move
seriously injured people unless they are in
immediate danger of further injury. Cover
injured persons with blankets to keep them
warm.

Keep a battery-powered radio with you

so you can listen for emergency updates
and news reports.

Be aware of possible tsunamis if you

live in a coastal area. Tsunamis are also
known as seismic sea waves. When
local authorities issue a tsunami warning,
assume that a series of dangerous waves
is on the way. Move inland to higher
ground as quickly as possible. Or move to
a Vertical Evacuation Refuge

Do not use the telephone as telephone

lines may be down and service limited.

Use mobile phones or text messaging

to report an emergency. Be aware
of wireless network traffic during
emergencies, which can cause congestion
and blocked calls or text messages.

Wear shoes in areas near fallen debris or

broken glass.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 11

Check for Hazards

If possible, put out small fires. If this is not

possible, leave your home immediately, notify
the fire department if possible, and alert your
neighbors.

Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect

your home. Turn the flashlight on outside,
before entering, because the battery may
produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas.

Be prepared for aftershocks. These

secondary earthquakes are usually less
violent than the main quake, but they can be
strong enough to cause additional damage
and weaken buildings. Stay away from
damage areas unless your assistance has
been specifically requested by police, fire, or
relief organizations.

Check water and food supplies. If the water

is cut off, use emergency water supplies — in
water heaters and melted ice cubes. Throw out
all food that may be spoiled or contaminated.

Do not use your car, unless there is an

emergency. Do not go sightseeing through
damaged areas. You will only interfere with the
relief effort. Keep streets clear for the passage
of emergency vehicles.

Switch off electrical power if there is

damage to your home’s electrical wiring. If
the situation is unsafe, leave your home and
seek help.

Check the building for cracks and damage,

particularly around chimneys and masonry
walls. Leave immediately if it looks like the
building might collapse. Use fireplaces only
if the chimney does not have damage and
cracks.

Check to see that water and sewage lines

are intact before using the toilet. Plug bathtub
and sink drains to prevent sewage backup.

12 Earthquake Safety Checklist

 Do not touch downed lines or broken
appliances.

Check closets and cupboards. Open doors

cautiously. Beware of objects tumbling off
shelves.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches,

gasoline, and other flammable liquids.

Use charcoal or gas grills for emergency

cooking, only outdoors.

Check gas, electrical, and water lines, and

check appliances for damage. If you smell
gas or see a broken line, shut off the main
valve from the outside. Do not switch on the
electricity again until the power company has
first checked your home. Remember, if gas is
turned off, a professional must restore service.
Do not search for gas leaks with a lighted
match.
Caution: Do not use electrical switches or
appliances if gas leaks are suspected; sparks
can ignite gas from broken lines.

Plan to Reunite
Post a message in clear view that states where you can be
found. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. List reunion points in
case of separation. Such points may be the homes of neighbors,
friends, or relatives; schools; or community centers. Use the
blanks below to list reunion points, or add an emergency phone
registration in the Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) by calling 1-800-
915-5413; or by making an entry via an Emergency Information
Link (https://pleaseno.ipower.com/nok/restricted/reg.php)

1. _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Earthquake Safety Checklist 13

Information about earthquake hazards and measures for
reducing risks is available from the following:

FEMA/U.S. Department of Homeland Security

FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362
FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov
FEMA Earthquake page: http://www.fema.gov/earthquake.
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
https://www.fema.gov/national-earthquake-hazards-reduction-
program

http://www.nehrp.gov/

FEMA Publications
You can order printed copies of the following publications
by calling the FEMA Distribution Facility at
1-800-480-2520. As noted, some are available for
download from the FEMA website.

Before Disaster Strikes, FEMA A-291. Available in both English

and Spanish. No downloads available.

After Disaster Strikes: How to Recover Financially from

a Natural Disaster, FEMA 292. Available in English. No
downloads available.

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen

Preparedness, IS-22. Full publication and individual
sections available online in both English and Spanish at: http://
www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide

Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt, FEMA 528. Available in English

at: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/
documents/3261

Food and Water in an Emergency, FEMA 477. Available online in

both English and Spanish.
English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_f&web477.pdf

Helping Children Cope with Disaster, FEMA 478. Available online

in both English and Spanish.
English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_children478.pdf

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other

Special Needs, FEMA 476. Available online in both English and
Spanish.
English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf
Spanish: https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_pfd_all476.pdf

14 Earthquake Safety Checklist

Preparing for Disaster, FEMA 475. Available online in both
English and Spanish.
English: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd.pdf
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/spa_pfd475.pdf

U.S. Geological Survey

For earthquake information, consult the USGS Earthquake

Hazards Program at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

American Red Cross

Information about the American Red Cross can be found

at: http://www.redcross.org

Emergency Contact Information

Wallet Card
1. Call a friend or relative who lives outside the
state and ask them to be your family’s “out-
of-state contact”.

2. Explain to them that after a disaster they will

be your means of communicating with other
family members, both in and out of state.
Make sure they understand it will be their
responsibility to be available to take calls
immediately following a disaster in your area.

3. Call your emergency out-of-area contact

and:
• Tell them how you are, where you
are and/or plan to be.

• Ask if other family members have

checked in and left messages.

• Let them know when you plan to

call back and check in again.

4. Notify all your friends and family members

that this one person will be the person to
contact if they need to get a message to you.
Tell them not to call direct.

Earthquake Safety Checklist 15

 Cut Line

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Card holder: _____________________________ Phone: ________________________
Address: __________________________________________ State: _______________
Zip: ______________________ email: _______________________________________

WORK
Business Name: _________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________ City: _____________ State: ________
Zip: ________________ Office Phone: _______________________________________

EMERGENCY OUT-OF-STATE CONTACT

Main Contact: _________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Alternate Contact: ______________________________ Phone: ___________________
Fold Fold
CHILDREN
Name: __________________________________ DOB: _______ Sex: ______________
Identifying Characteristics: _________________________________________________
School/Daycare: __________________________ School Phone: __________________
Address: ______________________________ State: _______________ Zip: ________
Name: __________________________________ DOB: _______ Sex: ______________
Identifying Characteristics: _________________________________________________
School/Daycare: __________________________ School Phone: __________________
Address: ______________________________ State: _______________ Zip: ________
Name: _________________________________ DOB: _______ Sex: ______________
Identifying Characteristics: _________________________________________________
School/Daycare: __________________________ School Phone: __________________
Address: ______________________________ State: _______________ Zip: ________
Fold Fold

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Medication: ___________________________ Prescription #: _____________________
Allergies: _______________________________________________________________
Doctor’s Name: ___________________________ Phone: ________________________
Pharmacy Phone: _________________________ Blood Type: ____________________
Notes: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Cut Line

16 Earthquake Safety Checklist

 FEMA B-526
Catalog No. 09076-2