Earthquake preparedness starts before the ground moves. Identify safer places, reduce household hazards, prepare essential supplies and agree on how everyone will reconnect after an emergency.
Before an earthquake
Plan for the places where you spend time: home, work, school and regular travel routes. Local hazards and building types differ, so combine general preparation with advice from civil-protection and emergency authorities in your area.
- Identify safer nearby places. Look for sturdy tables or desks and interior areas away from windows, tall furniture and objects that could fall.
- Secure household hazards. Fasten tall furniture where appropriate and place heavy or breakable objects on lower shelves.
- Prepare essential supplies. Include water, suitable food, medication, lighting, batteries, first-aid materials, sturdy footwear and copies of essential information.
- Make a communication plan. Choose an out-of-area contact and decide where household members will meet if normal routes are unavailable.
- Practice your response. Everyone should know how to protect their head and neck and assist children, older adults, visitors and pets.
- Learn local hazards. Coastal households should know tsunami evacuation routes; other areas may face landslides, fire or damaged utility lines.
Store supplies where they are accessible and review them for household needs and expiry dates.
During an earthquake
Strong shaking can make movement difficult and create hazards from falling or sliding objects. In most ordinary indoor settings, do not run across a room or toward an exit while shaking is underway.
Indoors
Drop, cover and hold on. Stay away from windows. Do not use lifts. If no table is close, protect your head and neck beside an interior wall, away from tall furniture.
In bed
Stay where you are unless an immediate hazard makes that unsafe. Protect your head and neck with a pillow and move after the shaking ends.
Outside
Move to a nearby open area if it is safe to do so. Keep away from building exteriors, glass, signs, trees and utility lines, then drop and protect yourself.
Driving
Pull over carefully, avoiding bridges, tunnels, trees and overhead lines. Set the brake and remain in the vehicle until shaking stops.
In a crowded venue
Do not rush for an exit during shaking. Protect your head and neck, follow venue instructions and leave calmly when directed.
Near the coast
After long or strong shaking, move inland or to higher ground using the local evacuation route. Do not wait near the shore for visible changes.
After the shaking stops
- Expect aftershocks. Drop, cover and hold on again whenever shaking returns.
- Check yourself and others. Give appropriate first aid and contact local emergency services for urgent help where communications permit.
- Check for immediate hazards. Leave if the building appears seriously damaged, there is fire or another clear danger. Use stairs rather than lifts.
- Avoid damaged areas. Keep clear of unstable buildings, broken glass, fallen power lines and damaged roads.
- Follow official information. Use battery-powered or available channels for local instructions, shelter information and evacuation notices.
- Limit travel and calls. Keep routes and networks available for emergency response unless you need assistance or must evacuate.
- Document damage only when safe. Notes and photographs may help with later records, but personal safety comes first.
Aftershocks and Christchurch context
This guide was originally associated with continuing aftershock concerns following the Christchurch earthquake sequence in New Zealand. Aftershocks can continue after a major event and may further affect weakened structures. Their timing and size cannot be predicted precisely.
If authorities have restricted access to a building or area, do not re-enter simply because shaking has paused. Use local inspection and re-entry guidance, and keep shoes, a torch and essential supplies within reach.
Earthquake and tsunami response differ
During earthquake shaking, protect yourself from immediate falling and moving hazards. After strong or prolonged coastal shaking, tsunami response may require rapid evacuation to higher ground or farther inland. Follow local signs and routes and remain away from the coast until authorities indicate it is safe.
For a dedicated coastal guide, review tsunami preparedness actions.