Earthquake Home Securing Guide

Earthquakes give no warning. Most injuries come from falling furniture, flying glass, and post-quake fires — not collapsing buildings. Prepare your home now.

Secure Heavy Furniture

• Anchor bookcases, dressers, and china cabinets to wall studs with furniture straps
• Mount flat-screen TVs with safety straps
• Install latches on kitchen cabinet doors
• Move heavy items to lower shelves

Utility Safety

• Locate your gas shutoff valve and practice turning it off (use a wrench kept at the valve)
• Know where the electrical panel and water main are
• Never turn gas back on yourself — call the utility company

Under-Bed Kit

Store in a bag secured to the bed frame:

• Sturdy shoes and work gloves
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Whistle
• N95 dust mask

Family Plan

• Choose an outdoor meeting point away from buildings and power lines
• Text "I'm OK" before calling — SMS uses less bandwidth after quakes
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On twice a year with children

72-Hour Supplies

See our Earthquake Emergency Kit article for the full supply list.

After Shaking Stops

• Expect aftershocks — they can be nearly as strong as the main quake
• Check for gas leaks (smell or hissing sound)
• Avoid damaged chimneys and unreinforced masonry
• Do not enter damaged buildings

Content aligned with FEMA earthquake preparedness guidelines.