How to Prepare for an Earthquake

According to the National Earthquake Information Center, approximately 55 earthquakes occur daily around the world, totaling 20,000 each year. Given the frequency and unpredictability of earthquakes, preparedness is essential for safety. Did you know one of the greatest concerns with earthquakes is the damage that can result from ground vibrations, and how that can impact natural and manmade structures? In fact, most earthquake-related injuries and deaths result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects caused by the destruction of these structures. SERVPRO^® is Here to Help^® by providing essential earthquake preparation tips and more to help keep you, your home, and your business safe.

The Danger of Earthquakes

While earthquakes themselves do not pose a direct threat, the damage resulting from ground vibrations can be hazardous. There have been many intensity scales invented over the past hundred years to measure these vibrations, and the United States currently uses the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI). The United States Geological Survey provides a breakdown of the scale’s intensity values, which range from 1 to 10.

• Not Felt. Possibly detected by very few (under favorable conditions).
• Weak. Felt by only a few individuals at rest, particularly on the upper levels of buildings.
• Weak. Noticeably felt by people indoors, especially on upper levels. Many may not even identify it as an earthquake. Parked cars may sway slightly; the motion resembles that of a passing truck.
• Light. Felt indoors by many, and a few outdoors during the day. At night, some may wake up. Dishes, windows, and doors are disturbed, and walls may make a cracking sound. The sensation resembles that of a heavy truck hitting a building; parked cars rock noticeably.
• Moderate. Felt by nearly all, and waking many. Some dishes and windows may shatter.
• Strong. Felt by everyone; some heavy objects and furniture may shift, with a few instances of fallen plaster. Damage is minimal.
• Very Strong. Slight to moderate damage to average-built structures. Considerable damage to poorly built structures. Some chimneys are damaged.
• Severe. Damage is significant to poorly built structures. Chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, and walls are prone to collapse at this intensity.
• Violent. Substantial buildings suffer significant damage, including partial collapses, and some shift off their foundations. 
• Extreme. Some sturdy wooden structures are destroyed, rails are bent, and nearly all masonry-framed buildings are destroyed, along with their foundations.

To understand the actual impact of an earthquake at a specific location, it is important to understand the MMI Scale. This knowledge is crucial for earthquake preparedness, as it provides insights into the effects of seismic activity on people, buildings, and the environment. These ground vibrations can cause significant damage to homes, roads, and utilities. Ultimately, the extent of earthquake destruction depends on the following factors provided by the World Health Organization:

• Magnitude.
• Intensity and Duration.
• Local Geology.
• Time of Day.
• Building Design and Materials.
• Risk-Management Measures Put in Place.

Ultimately, the damages caused by earthquakes are dangerous and unpredictable, making a preparedness plan essential to best protect yourself and your property.

How to Best Prepare Before an Earthquake

The best time to prepare for any disaster is well before it happens, especially if you live in a high-risk area. The following are important preparedness tips before an earthquake:

• Make sure you have an emergency plan. A successful emergency plan begins with communication. In case your cellular device does not work after an earthquake, set up a meeting place for all family members if you are separated. If you are home, make sure you have an evacuation plan in place.
• Prepare an earthquake emergency kit. As the Earthquake Country Alliance recommends, earthquake emergency kit items should last at least three days in case electrical, water, transportation, and other vital systems are disrupted. Emergency kit items can include water, a portable radio with extra batteries, flashlights, canned and packaged foods, blankets or sleeping bags, and copies of vital documents.
• Secure your space. Identify all earthquake hazards and secure moveable items. Stabilize all heavy items in your home like refrigerators, water heaters, bookcases, and all weighty objects mounted to walls. All heavy, fragile objects should be stored on low shelves to cause minimal damage.  

How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake

During an earthquake, it is important to remain calm and immediately protect yourself with these three basic but vital earthquake safety steps:

• Drop to your hands and knees. Wherever you are, drop (to prevent falling over) and hold onto something sturdy. This will protect you from being knocked down, or hit with falling or flying objects.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. If a sturdy desk or table is nearby, seek shelter underneath. If this is not available, crawl to an interior wall, creating space from any windows. Remain on your knees to protect vital organs.
• Hold on until the ground vibrations stop. If you are under the cover of a desk or table, prepare to move with it if it shifts. If you have no cover, remain holding onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.

You could find yourself in a variety of different environments during an earthquake. If you are in a vehicle, it is recommended to pull over immediately, set your parking brake, and stay inside the car. If outdoors, stay outside and away from buildings. If you are indoors, stay inside, avoid doorways, and do not run outside. 

Important Steps After an Earthquake

Expect aftershocks to follow the mainshock of an earthquake sequence. The first, immediate thing to do after an earthquake is to find a safe location. Follow these key points in the aftermath of an earthquake:

• Never enter a damaged building.
• If evacuation is necessary, be vigilant, listen, and look for any structural damage while evacuating.
• Be careful around debris and broken glass. Wear sturdy footwear to keep from harming your feet.
• If you remain in the building, to prevent future hazards, turn off all utilities.
• If you are trapped, send a text from your mobile device or bang on a wall or pipe.
• If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, stay away from beaches, and relocate inland or to higher ground.
• Check the surrounding area for any injuries, and help others if you have training. Be prepared with general first aid training so you may assist those and be the help until help arrives.

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster™

Preparing for an earthquake involves understanding risks, creating a plan, and securing your home, business, or other property. By taking these steps, you can enhance your safety and resilience in the event of an earthquake.

When you are faced with the aftermath of an earthquake, call SERVPRO. Experienced technicians specialize in restoring contents and belongings damaged by natural disasters. You do not have to face the damage caused by an earthquake alone. There are 2270 locations in the United States and Canada, and a SERVPRO nearby, available year-round.

Call SERVPRO Today for 24-Hour Service

SERVPRO is prepared to answer your call anytime of the day or night with 24-hour emergency services. Established in 1967, SERVPRO has proudly become the #1 choice in fire and water cleanup and restoration*. After an earthquake, SERVPRO franchises are determined to restore your peace of mind by providing full-service cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction services for your home or business. We understand the stress and uncertainty that follows such events, and SERVPRO professionals are here to help.

To learn more, check out our storm damage repair and restoration resources.