Earthquakes can happen at any time and without warning. California is at higher risk for earthquakes because of its many active faults, including the San Andreas Fault. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your property before, during, and after an earthquake.

Prepare Before an Earthquake

The best time to prepare for an earthquake—or any disaster—is before it happens.

• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Practice earthquake drills with your family and coworkers at least once a year. Learn what to do during an earthquake and practice the steps before an emergency happens.
• Make a plan. Create a family emergency communications plan with your family. Include emergency contact information, ways to communicate if you are separated, escape routes from your home, and a family meeting place.
• Make an emergency kit. Build an emergency supply kit with basic necessities, including enough food and water for each person in your household for several days.
• Secure items that could fall. Secure heavy items such as bookcases, televisions, and objects hanging on walls. Store heavy and breakable items on lower shelves.
• Protect your home. Consider earthquake retrofits to strengthen your home and reduce the risk of serious damage during an earthquake. California's Earthquake Brace & Bolt Program provides grants for qualifying retrofit projects. If you are not eligible for the grant program, San José's Building Division provides state-approved earthquake retrofit plans for homeowners and contractors.
• Sign up for emergency alerts. Sign up for AlertSCC and download the Genasys Protect app to receive important emergency information. AlertSCC provides emergency alerts throughout Santa Clara County. Genasys Protect provides neighborhood-specific evacuation updates and emergency alerts based on your location.

SJFD's Fire Captain Joseph King goes over what you should do before, during, and after an earthquake (Mire el video en español | Xem video bằng tiếng Việt | 观看普通话视频 | 觀看國語影片).

Stay Safe During an Earthquake

By acting fast, you can significantly reduce the chance of injury during an earthquake. In most situations, you can protect yourself if you quickly Drop, Cover and Hold On:

1. Drop: Drop down to your hands and knees. Hold onto something sturdy. If you use a wheelchair or walker with a seat, lock your wheels and stay seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover: Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl under it for protection. If no shelter is available, move next to an interior wall and stay away from windows.
3. Hold On: If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it shifts. If you cannot drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head, and protect your neck with both hands.

Wherever you are during an earthquake, remember to act fast. Here's what to do if you find yourself in the following locations:

• In a Car: Pull over, stop, and set your parking brake. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
• In Bed: Stay where you are. Turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• Outdoors: Stay outdoors and move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines if possible.
• Inside a Building: Stay inside. Do not run outside during shaking. Stay away from windows and do not use doorways as shelter.

Stay Safe After an Earthquake

After an earthquake, you may encounter dangers such as damaged buildings, downed power lines, and leaking gas or water lines. Be prepared to take the following steps:

• Expect aftershocks. Aftershocks can happen minutes, days, weeks, or even months after an earthquake. Each time you feel shaking, Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
• Stay out of damaged buildings. Earthquakes can damage buildings and make them unsafe. If you're in a damaged structure, get outside quickly and do not re-enter.
• Signal for help if you are trapped. Send a text message, bang on a wall or pipe, or use a whistle to help rescuers find you. Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust.
• Check for injuries. Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if you are able and it is safe to do so.
• Stay informed. Once you and your loved ones are safe, listen to local authorities for emergency information and instructions.
• Clean up your home safely. Be careful when cleaning up after an earthquake. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy shoes with thick soles. Do not try to move heavy debris by yourself.