Earthquake Preparedness Checklist: 35 Actions to Take Now

Why Most People Are Underprepared

Earthquake preparedness suffers from a well-documented psychological barrier: the same cognitive pattern that makes humans bad at acting on low-probability, high-consequence risks. We know the earthquake is possible. We know the consequences are severe. We intend to prepare. And then we do not, because the urgency is always hypothetical while today's demands are concrete. A checklist approach helps: breaking preparation into discrete, completable tasks that create real progress.

This checklist is organized roughly by priority: the highest-value preparedness actions come first. Do not try to do everything at once — pick five items and complete them this week.

Emergency Supplies

• Stock 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 72 hours (1 week is better)
• Store non-perishable food for 72 hours minimum (canned goods, energy bars, dried food)
• Maintain a first aid kit (check expiration dates on medications and supplies annually)
• Keep flashlights and extra batteries in accessible locations (not just in the kitchen junk drawer)
• Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency broadcasts
• Store copies of important documents in a waterproof container: IDs, insurance cards, medications list, contact numbers
• Keep $100-$200 in small bills (ATMs and card readers may be offline after a major event)
• Include a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped
• Stock N95 masks for dust and smoke exposure
• Maintain prescription medications with at least a 30-day supply

Home Hazard Mitigation

• Secure water heater to wall studs with seismic straps (this is the #1 most cost-effective home prep)
• Strap tall furniture (bookshelves, cabinets, armoires) to wall studs
• Move heavy items from high shelves to lower positions
• Install latches on cabinet doors to prevent contents from spilling
• Secure computers, televisions, and appliances with anti-tip straps or Velcro pads
• Identify and move heavy items that could fall onto beds, couches, or chairs where people spend time
• Check that your gas shutoff valve is accessible and learn how to operate it (keep a wrench nearby)
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

Family Communication Plan

• Designate an out-of-area contact person who everyone will call/text after an event
• Choose two family meeting locations: one near home, one farther away if the neighborhood is inaccessible
• Ensure everyone knows the plan, including children who are old enough to understand
• Download your county's emergency notification app (often through your county OES)
• Know your children's school emergency plan and reunification procedures

Structural and Professional Assessment

• If your home was built before 1980, get a seismic retrofit assessment (many are free or low-cost through state programs)
• Consider cripple wall bracing if you have a raised foundation
• Consider foundation bolting if your home sits on a concrete perimeter foundation without anchor bolts
• If you are in a soft-story building (parking on ground floor, apartments above), research your building's retrofit status
• Know your home's age, construction type, and location relative to fault lines and liquefaction zones

Vehicle and Workplace

• Keep your vehicle at least half-full of fuel (gas stations may be inaccessible after a major event)
• Store a basic kit in your car: water, energy bars, first aid kit, walking shoes, dust mask
• Know your workplace's emergency plan and evacuation routes
• Identify the safest locations in your office (under desk, against interior walls, away from glass)

Insurance and Financial Preparedness

• Review your homeowners or renters policy — standard policies do NOT cover earthquake damage
• Get an earthquake insurance quote and evaluate based on your location, home value, and risk tolerance
• Document your home's contents with photos or video for insurance purposes; store backup in cloud
• Know your deductible structure — earthquake insurance deductibles are often 10-25% of the insured value

Practice and Review

• Practice Drop, Cover, Hold On with your household — muscle memory under stress matters
• Participate in your area's annual ShakeOut drill (third Thursday of October)
• Review and update your preparedness supplies and plan every 12 months
• Replace water storage every 12 months; check food expiration dates annually