Earthquake
Safety
Checklist
FEMA B-526 / October 2023
Important Numbers and Addresses
911
911
During an earthquake, your family might be
apart, so use the sections below to write down
important information that will help you get in
touch with each other. During the rst 24 hours
after a major earthquake, for non-emergency
communications, use text messaging, email or
social media instead of making voice calls. Refer to page 9 for more
details.
Name and phone number ___________________________________
Work Address _____________________________________________
Name and phone number ___________________________________
Work Address _____________________________________________
Name and school phone number _____________________________
School Address ____________________________________________
School Policy: Hold student Release student
Name and school phone number _____________________________
School Address ____________________________________________
School Policy: Hold student Release student
Name and school phone number _____________________________
School Address ____________________________________________
School Policy: Hold student Release student
Name and phone number of a nearby emergency contact:
_________________________________________________________
Name and phone number of an out-of-town relative or friend who
can act as a point of contact for separated family members:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Earthquake Safety Checklist 1
Earthquake Hazards in the United States
Guam Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin
Islands
American
Samoa
Highest Hazard
Lowest Hazard
Commonwealth
of the Northern
Mariana Islands
U.S. Geological Survey 2018 Long-term National Seismic Hazard Map
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science/2018-united-
states-lower-48-seismic-hazard-long-term-model#overview
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 preparing beforehand, you can reduce
the effect of an earthquake on you and your
family. Take action by setting aside emergency
supplies and making a plan for what to do at
home, work, and school before, during and after an earthquake.
You need to be prepared to manage on your own for a minimum of
72 hours, but it might even be necessary to be self-reliant for up to
two weeks. After a major earthquake, emergency services could be
overwhelmed, making it difcult to access supplies for an extended
period. Being self-sufcient during this time is extremely important.
Movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of death
or injury. Many casualties result from partial building collapse
or falling objects and debris, such as toppling chimneys, falling
bricks, ceilings, and light xtures. Many of these hazards are easily
preventable.
Earthquakes can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s crucial to
take action right away to prepare, especially if you live in areas with
a very high or high risk of earthquakes.
Learning actions you can take to protect yourself, your family, and
your home can increase safety during an earthquake. For more
information about the earthquake risk in your area, consult your
local building department or visit www.usgs.gov.
Earthquake Safety Checklist2
FEMA’s Ready.gov website has information on how to protect
yourself before, during and after an earthquake.
You can also visit Ready.gov for low and no-cost ways to prepare
using common household items.
Emergency Kit Ideas for Home, Work, 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 a good idea to keep a supply of
non-perishable food on hand that can be rotated
into your diet and replenished regularly. Keep a
sufcient supply of canned or dehydrated food,
powdered milk, and canned juices that will last
at least 72 hours, preferably two weeks. Dried
cereals or granola, dried fruit, protein or fruit bars, ready-to-eat
canned foods, 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
ashlight and spare batteries beside your bed,
at your place of work, and in your car. Only use
matches or candles once you are condent
that no gas leaks exist. Use a wind-up powered
generator to have unlimited emergency power.
If you have a portable generator, only use it
outdoors and more than 20 feet away from any
building opening.
Water. FEMA recommends considering
storing at least a 2-week supply of water for
each member of the family. A normally active
person needs at least a half gallon of water each
day just for drinking. In determining adequate
quantities, take the following into account:
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Individual needs vary depending on age, physical condition,
activity, diet, and climate.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 3
Children, nursing mothers, and those who may be ill will need
additional water.
Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
A medical emergency might require more water.
Bottled Water
Have commercially bottled water on hand for emergencies. Keep
bottled water in its original container, and store in a cool, dark place.
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
thoroughly before lling them. Keep all water in a cool dark place.
Water stored in your own containers should be replaced about every
six months.
Purifying Water
If bottled water is unavailable or you have questions about water
quality, purify it before drinking. Below are three ways to purify
water:
Boiling. Boiling is the best and safest method of purifying water.
First, if the water is cloudy, let it settle and then lter it through a
clean cloth or coffee lter. Then, heat the water to a rolling boil for
one full minute. At altitudes above 5,000 feet, boil water for three
minutes. For each additional 1,000 feet of altitude, add one minute
to the boiling time.
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 Water Amount of 6%
Bleach to Add*
Amount of 8.25% Bleach
to Add*
1 quart/liter 2 drops 2 drops
1 gallon 8 drops 6 drops
2 gallons 16 drops (1/4 tsp) 12 drops (1/8 teaspoon)
4 gallons 1/3 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon
8 gallons 2/3 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon
If the water is cloudy, let it settle and lter through a clean cloth or
coffee lter. 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 nd another source
of water.
*Assumes bleach contains 6% or 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. (Source: www.epa.
gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water).
Earthquake Safety Checklist4
Water disinfection tablets. You can disinfect water with tablets
that contain chlorine, iodine, chlorine dioxide, or other disinfecting
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.
Portable, battery-powered radio or
television and spare batteries. Most
telephones will be out of order or only 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 rst aid
kit and emergency reference material such
as a rst aid book or free information on the
publication page of Ready.gov (www.ready.gov/
publications) at home and in your car. Have
members of your household take basic rst aid
and CPR courses.
Fire extinguishers. Keep a re extinguisher
at home and in your car. Some extinguishers are
good only for certain types of res – electrical,
grease, or gas. Class ABC extinguishers are
designed for safe use on any type of re. Your
re department can show you how to properly
use an extinguisher. Fire extinguishers should be
inspected annually, recharged as needed, and
replaced every 12 years.
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 paciers), 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. Plan to include any medical
equipment, medications, or other items to assist
those with disabilities in your disaster kit. Visit
the People with Disabilities page on Ready.gov
(www.ready.gov/disability) for more information.
AM
FM
FIRST AID KIT
Earthquake Safety Checklist 5
$
$
Tools. In addition to a pipe wrench and
crescent/adjustable wrench (for turning off gas
and water valves), you should have a pry bar
in case of jammed doors, a lighter, a supply of
matches in a waterproof container, and a whistle
for signaling rescue workers.
Crescent
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 identication cards
and important documents, such as insurance
policies and nancial records in a safe location,
such as a re-proof lock box.
FEMA App. The FEMA App will update you
with the latest news and emergency alerts in
your area.
Clothes. If you live in a cold climate, 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 coat
long sleeve shirt
hat, mittens or
gloves, and scarves
long pants
sturdy shoes
sleeping bag or
warm blanket (one
per 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. Visit Ready.gov/pets to learn how to
prepare your pets.
According to the Humane Society: It is also recommended that pets be chipped
along with proper identication. Source: www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-
disaster-preparedness
Home Preparedness
In the event of an earthquake, you may be instructed to shut off the
utility services at your home. You should also be able to shut off
the gas supply if you hear or smell gas escaping inside your home
or shut off the water supply if you see a broken water pipe. Teach
responsible members of your family how to turn off the gas,
Earthquake Safety Checklist6
Gas Valve
Water Main Shut-Off
Caution: Do not shut off gas unless an emergency exists. If gas is ever turned off, a
professional must restore service.
Electrical Shut-Offs
electricity, and water at valves and main switches. Consult your local
utility provider if you need more information.
In most instances, you can shut-off all water to your property by
locating the main water shut-off valve. The main water shut-off
valve is located within the water meter box where the main water
line enters your home. Within the water meter box, you should see
a valve, similar to the valve on your gas meter. Shut-off the water by
turning the valve to the right. If you are able, turn it in the direction
you would your gas valve.
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 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.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 7
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 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, 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, and what
to do about them, view the Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt poster
(FEMA 528) online: www.fema.gov/sites/default/les/2020-07/
fema_earthquake_earthquake-home-hazard-hunt-poster-fema-528.
pdf
Family Earthquake Drill
It’s important to know what to do for protection when the earth
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 rst 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 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. In the days or
weeks after this exercise, hold surprise drills.
Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are an opportunity to practice how to be safer
during earthquakes. Learn more at www.shakeout.org!
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 identied as Tsunami
Vertical Evacuation Sites.
Be prepared to deal with what you and your
Earthquake Safety Checklist8
family may experience after an earthquake — both physically
and emotionally. There are guidance publications listed in the
References section of this booklet to help.
During an Earthquake
In the event of an earthquake limit the amount of steps you take
and get to a nearby safe place promptly. 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 wall of the
building.
Do not use elevators.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors
and walls, and anything that could fall, such
as lighting xtures and tall furniture.
If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes,
stay there. Hold on and protect your head with
a pillow. If you fall out of bed, stay on the oor
against the bed. If you are under something
heavy that could fall, then move to the nearest
safe place.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is
safe to exit the building. Most injuries during
earthquakes occur when people are hit by
falling objects while trying to leave a building
during an earthquake.
Be aware that electricity may go out, that
pipes, including re sprinkler systems, may
break or that re alarms may turn on.
If you are outdoors:
Remain outside.
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.
Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees,
overpasses, and utility wires.
Do not attempt to drive across or under bridges
or overpasses that have been damaged.
Earthquake Safety Checklist 9
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.
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 and follow
instructions.
If you are trapped under debris:
Do not light a match.
Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief
or clothing. Do not move about or kick up dust.
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can nd
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. In the event of serious
injuries, call 9-1-1, but be aware that they
may well be overwhelmed, and you may be
on your own for some time. If anyone has
stopped breathing, follow the American Heart
Association’s guidelines on CPR (https://cpr.
heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-
ecc-guidelines). 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.
Follow instructions from your rst aid kit.
Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in
a coastal area. 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. If high
ground is not available, move into a Vertical
Evacuation Refuge or a multistory concrete
building and climb up at least three oors.
Earthquake Safety Checklist10
You may not be able to use the telephone
as telephone lines may be down and service
limited. However, if a telephone landline is
available, it will continue to work even if there is
no power.
Call 911 to report emergencies. Be aware that
wireless network trafc during emergencies can
cause congestion and block calls.
Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you
can listen for emergency updates and news
reports.
Wear sturdy shoes in areas near fallen debris or
broken glass.
Check for Hazards
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.
Be aware that aftershocks can continue for
weeks or even months after an earthquake. Stay
away from damaged areas unless the police,
re, or relief organizations have specically
requested your assistance.
If possible, put out small res. If this is not
possible, leave your home immediately, notify
the re department if possible, and alert your
neighbors.
Use a battery-powered ashlight to inspect
your home. Turn the ashlight on outside, before
entering, because the battery may produce
a spark that could ignite leaking gas. Do not
enter the home if you see large cracks in the
foundation or if the home is leaning. Small
diagonal cracks in the walls are normal after an
earthquake and are usually not a safety hazard.
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.
AM
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Earthquake Safety Checklist 11
Do not use your car unless there is an
emergency. 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.
Have a building professional check the
building for cracks and damage, particularly
around the foundation, chimneys and masonry
walls. Leave immediately if it looks like the
building might collapse. Use replaces 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.
Do not touch or drive over downed power lines.
Beware of broken appliances as they may be an
electrical hazard.
Check closets and cupboards. Open doors
cautiously. Beware of objects tumbling off
shelves.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline,
and other ammable liquids.
Use charcoal or gas grills for emergency
cooking, only outdoors.
Check gas, electrical, and water lines and
appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see
a broken line, shut off the main valve from the
outside. Wait to switch on the electricity again
until the power company has rst checked your
home. Remember, if the gas is turned off, a
professional must restore service.
Caution: Do not use electrical switches or appliances if gas leaks are suspected;
sparks can ignite gas from broken lines.
Earthquake Safety Checklist12
Plan to Reunite
In the event of an earthquake having a message in clear view that
states where you can be found can help you be reunited with family
or loved ones. 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 You can also add your number to the the
Next of Kin Registry (https://pleaseno.ipower.com/nok/restricted/
reg.php) or by calling 1-800- 915-5413.
Reunion Points ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Reunion Points ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Information about earthquake hazards and measures for reducing
risks is available from the following:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362
FEMA website: FEMA.gov
FEMA Earthquake page: www.fema.gov/earthquake
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
FEMA NEHRP website: www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-
management/earthquake/nehrp
NEHRP website: www.nehrp.gov
FEMA Resources
You can order printed copies of the following publications by calling
the FEMA Warehouse at 1-800-480-2520 or emailing
FEMA 528, Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt. www.fema.gov/sites/
default/les/2020-07/fema_earthquake_earthquake-home-hazard-
hunt-poster-fema-528.pdf
FEMA P-530. Earthquake Safety At Home. https://www.fema.gov/
sites/default/les/2020-08/fema_earthquakes_fema-p-530-
earthquake-safety-at-home-march-2020.pdf
FEMA P-2064, Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen
Preparedness. www.ready.gov/sites/default/les/2021-11/are-you-
ready-guide.pdf
Earthquake Safety Checklist 13
FEMA P-2196, Building Codes Toolkit for Homeowners and
Occupants. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/les/documents/
fema_building-codes-toolkit.pdf
FEMA Earthquake Insurance Webpage:
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/
earthquake/insurance
Ready.gov Earthquake Webpage:
https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes
U.S. Geological Survey
For earthquake information, consult the USGS Earthquake Hazards
Program at: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards
American Red Cross
Information about the American Red Cross can be found at:
www.redcross.org
Ready.gov
There are many ways to take action and prepare before a disaster
occurs. The 12 Ways to Prepare (https://www.ready.gov/sites/
default/les/2021-06/ready_12-ways-to-prepare_postcard.
pdf) document includes some of the most important ways to
help yourself, your family, and your community increase your
preparedness.
DRIVERS LICENSE
EMERGENCY CONTACT
INFORMATION
E
You can easily ll out an emergency plan online or on your phone
by visiting Ready.gov/plan. You can save your plan to your phone
or even email it out to other family members.
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 or
plan to be.
Ask if other family members have checked
in and left messages.
Let them know when you plan to call back
Earthquake Safety Checklist14
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.
CHILDREN
DOB: Sex:
School Phone:
State: Zip:
DOB: Sex:
School Phone:
State: Zip:
DOB: Sex:
School Phone:
State: Zip:
Name:
Identifying Characteristics:
School/Da ycare:
Address:
Name:
Identifying Characteristics:
School/Da ycare:
Address:
Name:
Identifying Characteristics:
School/Da ycare:
Address:
PERSONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION
Medication:
Prescription #:
Allergies:
Doctor’s Name: Phone:
Pharmacy Phone:
Notes:
Blood Type:
Business Name:
Address: City: State:
Zip:
Card Holder: Phone
Address: State: Zip:
Email:
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
EMERGENCY OUT-OF-STATE CONTACT
Main Contact: Phone:
Alternate Contact: Phone:
WORK
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