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During an Earthquake

DURING the next big earthquake, and immediately after, is when your level of preparedness will make a difference in how you and others survive and can respond to emergencies. The following steps describe what to do during earthquake shaking and immediately after. Step 5 provides information for how to protect yourself in different locations and scenarios during an earthquake. Step 6 describes what to do next to prevent further injuries or damage.

Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.

Read more

Step 6: Improve Safety

Step 6: Improve Safety

Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

Read more


Join millions of people in the world’s largest earthquake safety drill …

The experts say that in order to best way to protect yourself in the event of an earthquake is to practice the technique “Drop, Cover and Hold On“. Knowing exactly what to do the moment the shaking starts is something that gets easier with practice, and that is exactly what the Great ShakeOut is for.

Register now to participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill!


The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety are provided courtesy of the Earthquake Country Alliance, a public-private-grass roots partnership managed by the Southern California Earthquake Center.  Seven Steps icons provided courtesy of the California Earthquake Authority.

Ready to ShakeOut?

Register now to participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill!

What can you do?

There are many actions you can take to prepare and reduce the danger from earthquakes to yourself, your family, and others. Use the links below to find out more about what you can do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Earthquake Safety:

  • Before an Earthquake
    • Step 1: Secure Your Space
    • Step 2: Plan to be Safe
    • Step 3: Organize Disaster Supplies
    • Step 4: Minimize Financial Hardship
  • During an Earthquake
    • Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold on
    • Step 6: Improve Safety
  • After an Earthquake
    • Step 7: Reconnect and Recover
  • Are You “2 Weeks Ready”?
  • Home Survival Kit
  • Personal Emergency Kit
  • Earthquake Insurance & Financial Preparedness
  • Seismic Retrofit After a Flood
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Central United States Earthquake Consortium | 2630 E. Holmes Rd. Memphis, TN 38118
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