Before an earthquake
Secure unstable items, identify safer places in each room, prepare essential supplies and agree on a household communication plan.
Preparedness library
Prepare before the ground moves
Practical guidance for earthquake and tsunami readiness, household risk reduction and clearer decisions while traveling in seismic regions.
Start with the essentials
Before, during and after shaking
A short plan is more useful when everyone knows it, supplies are accessible and actions have been practiced.
During strong shaking
Follow local advice. Indoors, commonly recommended action is to drop, cover and hold on while staying away from windows.
After the shaking
Expect aftershocks, check for hazards and use verified local information. Near a coast, act immediately on natural or official tsunami warnings.
Selected reading
Preparedness guides and explainers
Archive articles retain their established URLs. The summaries below highlight the practical purpose of each resource.
Be tsunami prepared
Review evacuation routes before visiting or living near a coast, recognize natural warning signs and understand why movement to safer ground may be urgent.
Read the tsunami guide →
Is your home prepared?
Use an interactive archive resource as a prompt to consider falling objects, exits, emergency supplies and safer household arrangements.
Review household risks →
Earthquake and volcano travel risk
Seismic or volcanic regions are not automatically off limits. Informed travel starts with local hazards, reliable alerts and flexible plans.
Read the travel explainer →
Worldwide earthquake news: November 2012
A historical news index containing earthquake-related entries and preparedness context from November 2012.
Open the November archive →How to use this library
Turn reading into a workable plan
- Identify your hazardsConsider shaking, falling objects, damaged utilities, landslides and coastal tsunami exposure where relevant.
- Reduce household risksPrioritize realistic changes appropriate to the building, occupants and local construction guidance.
- Plan and supplyMake communication, medication, accessibility, pet and evacuation arrangements before they are needed.
- Practice and reviewRehearse safe actions, revisit evacuation routes and replace expired or unsuitable supplies.
From the archive
More preparedness context
Older reporting can provide historical context, but current local guidance should govern present-day decisions.
Worldwide earthquake news: December 2012
A dated index of global earthquake-related reports.
Open archive →Worldwide earthquake news: October 2012
Historical reporting with earthquake and preparedness entries.
Open archive →Seismology communication and public safety
An archive discussion of legal proceedings following the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake and questions around risk communication.
Read the archive summary →Understanding earthquake terms
Definitions that help readers interpret seismic reports and preparedness material.
Open the glossary →Common questions
Preparedness FAQ
Can an exact earthquake be predicted?
No reliable method specifies the exact time, place and magnitude of a future earthquake. Preparedness should not depend on a prediction.
What action is commonly recommended indoors?
Local guidance takes priority. A widely recommended action is to drop, cover and hold on, protecting the head and neck and staying away from windows.
Should I run outside during shaking?
Moving while the ground is shaking may expose you to falls and exterior debris. Follow local advice and consider your immediate surroundings rather than assuming outside is safer.
What if I am near the coast?
Strong or long shaking can be a natural tsunami warning. Follow local evacuation routes toward safer ground and official instructions without approaching the shore.
How much emergency supply should I keep?
Needs vary with local guidance, climate, household size, medical requirements and likely service disruption. Use the recommendations of your local emergency authority.
Can this site assess whether my building is safe?
No. Building safety requires local codes and assessment by qualified professionals. Archive articles are educational and do not replace structural advice.
About this site
Preparedness without prediction or alarm
Earthquake Report organizes practical guidance alongside seismic and volcano archives. The aim is to explain risk clearly, distinguish uncertainty from confirmed information and help readers find useful next steps.
This site is not an emergency service. Questions, corrections and accessibility feedback may be sent to info@earthquakereport.com-html.com.
Learn more about Earthquake Report →