Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes Happen! Do you know what to do when the ground starts to shake?

Earthquakes (and tsunamis that can follow) are some of the deadliest natural disasters.

Whether you live in an earthquake-prone region or not, chances are you’ll travel for business or pleasure to a location that is. When seconds count, knowing what to do can make a world of difference.

Earthquakes: Fact vs. Fiction

Let’s separate fact from fiction by debunking common myths around earthquake safety and preparedness so that you know what NOT to do during an earthquake.

Myth: At the first sign of an earthquake, you should stand in a doorway if you’re indoors.

FACT: According to the CDC, you should NOT stand in a doorway. You are safer under a table.

In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury − falling or flying objects. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by falling or flying objects (such as TVs, lamps, glass, or bookcases), or by being knocked to the ground.

Download the above graphic as a PDF.

Myth: There’s not much you can do to prepare for an earthquake.

FACT: Preparing for an earthquake is just as vital as knowing what to do during one.

Your preparedness measures will be unique to you. Our Family Preparedness Guide is a great way to get started with a preparedness plan that works for you. You can also check out helpful websites such as Ready.gov and Earthquake Country Alliance for guides to earthquake readiness, as well as resources for those with Access and Functional Needs. For more specifics on what to do before, during and after an earthquake, the Japan Times has a quick read that can be saved for future reference. The Chilean Ministry of the Interior and the New Zealand National Emergency Agency offer comprehensive guides as well.

For those with access and functional needs, evacuation procedures may vary depending on location. Reach out to DiverseAbilities_NorAm@wbd.com for more information.

Myth: Earthquakes only occur in countries that touch the Pacific Ocean.

FACT: The world's greatest earthquake zone, the circum-Pacific seismic belt (aka The Ring of Fire), is found along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of the world's largest earthquakes occur. However, deadly earthquakes can also impact countries outside of this area.

The Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt extends from Chile, through Central America, Mexico, the West Coast of the United States, the southern part of Alaska, through the Aleutian Islands to Japan, the Philippine Islands, New Guinea, the island groups of the Southwest Pacific, and to New Zealand. The second important belt, the Alpide, extends from Java to Sumatra through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic. The third prominent belt follows the submerged mid-Atlantic ridge. The remaining shocks are scattered in various areas of the world. (Source: USGS/US Department of the Interior).

Myth: Tsunamis are only a single giant wave.

FACT: Tsunamis often come in multiple waves that can continue for several hours. The first wave may not be the strongest—avoid coastal areas until authorities confirm it’s safe to return.

Tsunamis are often caused by earthquakes and can travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet high.

Learn the signs of a potential tsunami, such as an earthquake, a loud roar from the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise or wall of water or sudden draining of water showing the ocean floor.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TSUNAMI WARNING:

If caused by an earthquake, Drop, Cover, then Hold On to protect yourself from the earthquake first.
Get to high ground as far inland as possible
Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters.
Listen to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers.
Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave as soon as you see any natural signs of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.
If you are in a boat, go out to sea.

Ready to take action?

Make sure to review earthquake best practices at least once a year to refresh your memory.
Review the resources listed above. Be sure to consider your specific location, work environment, and evacuation procedures.
Install the WBD Alerts app and share your contact details today. Learn more at WBDReady.com/Alerts.

If there’s an earthquake in your area that’s caused significant damage or service outages, you may receive a message from WBD Alerts asking if you’re okay or sharing important resources – but that's only if you are reachable. Don’t skip this critical preparedness step. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date.