Earthquake Tips & Resources

Expert guidance and trusted resources for earthquake preparedness, response, and recovery.

Quick Tips for Earthquake Safety

Before an Earthquake

  • Know two ways out of each room
  • Store water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Keep shoes and flashlight by your bed
  • Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On" monthly
  • Take a first aid course

During an Earthquake

  • !Drop to hands and knees immediately
  • !Take cover under sturdy desk or table
  • !Hold on until shaking stops completely
  • !Protect your head and neck at all costs
  • !Expect shaking to stop within 1-2 minutes
Official Government Resources
Trusted agencies for earthquake information and assistance

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

Real-time earthquake data, seismic monitoring, hazard assessments, and scientific resources.

earthquake.usgs.gov

FEMA - Ready.gov

Federal emergency management guidance, preparedness planning, and disaster recovery resources.

ready.gov

CDC Emergency Preparedness

Health and medical preparedness guidance for earthquakes and natural disasters.

emergency.cdc.gov

American Red Cross

Training, emergency services, disaster relief, and community preparedness programs.

redcross.org

National Earthquake Information Center

USGS real-time earthquake information for the United States and worldwide.

earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Disaster assistance programs, mitigation grants, and emergency response coordination.

fema.gov
Scientific Organizations & Educational Resources

Seismological Society of America

Professional organization advancing earthquake science and public education.

International Association of Seismology and Physics

Global seismic research and international cooperation network.

California Geological Survey

State geological hazard mapping and earthquake fault information.

ShakeCast by USGS

Automated earthquake impact assessment system for infrastructure.

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

Federal initiative for earthquake science research and mitigation.

USGS Earthquake Glossary

Comprehensive resource explaining earthquake terminology and concepts.

Important Emergency Contacts
Keep these numbers accessible at all times

Emergency Numbers

Emergency: 911 (life-threatening only)
Non-Emergency Police: Check local jurisdiction
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

Utility Company Emergency Numbers

Natural Gas: Check bill or local provider
Electricity: Check bill or local provider
Water: Check bill or local provider
Telecommunications: Check service provider

Tip: Write down all emergency numbers and post them on your refrigerator. Teach family members to memorize the out-of-state contact person's number.

Post-Earthquake Disaster Recovery Resources

Financial Assistance

  • • FEMA disaster assistance programs
  • • Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
  • • State emergency relief funds
  • • Insurance claims assistance
  • • Tax relief provisions

Support Services

  • • Temporary housing assistance
  • • Mental health counseling
  • • Disaster case management
  • • Community reconstruction programs
  • • Volunteer support networks