We can’t predict earthquakes but we can prepare for them. Knowing how to prepare, what to do during an earthquake, and after one occurs is key to your safety.
I’ve survived earthquakes, cyclones, and tsunami alerts, and I know preparation is key – especially when visiting an earthquake country like Japan, New Zealand, or California. This ultimate traveler safety guide will help you stay safe.
Most of my ‘what to do during earthquake’ knowledge comes from living in New Zealand and traveling through Japan and other countries along the Ring of Fire – regions with the highest earthquake risks.
In these countries, I received many before during after earthquake brochures. They were hard to read but invaluable when the ground started shaking. Earthquakes are terrifying, and when they strike, you’re often on your own.
Knowing how to stay safe during an earthquake can make a huge difference in your safety, especially when you’re traveling without the resources you’d have at home. Preparedness will help you stay calm, avoid panic, and respond effectively.
Lets have a look at helpful earthquake safety tips and steps.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Things to do during earthquake
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Preparedness is key — research risks, plan ahead, and pack an emergency kit.
● During an earthquake: Stop, Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
● Stay inside under a sturdy table or desk, don’t go outside and keep away from power lines.
● After the quake stay calm, expect aftershocks, and follow safety protocols.
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Where do earthquakes occur? Know the risk!
Knowledge is power. And traveling safely is sexy.
Earthquakes can happen anywhere, but they are more likely to occur in earthquake-prone areas, alongside the fault line. Some of the most touristic countries also have the highest risk of earthquakes.
The area, where the majority of earthquakes occur, is the circle around the Pacific Ocean, also known as the Ring of Fire. Countries along the edge, like Japan, New Zealand, China, Philippines, Alaska, California, Mexico, Peru, and Chile get earthquakes because of the sliding tectonic plates.
Another zone, also very prone to graound shaking, is stretching all the way from Indonesia with Bali and Sumatra, through the Himalayas, India, Iran, Turkey to Greece, and Italy.
Keep in mind that earthquakes can also happen because of volcano eruptions so they can be common in areas with active volcanoes, like Iceland and Hawaii.
INTERESTING FACT
According to the United States Geological Survey, there are around 20,000 earthquakes each year around the World or approximately 55 per day.
How to prepare for an earthquake?
Preparation is key. Being prepared can make a huge difference in your safety and reactions when the ground are starting to shake.
On my third day in New Zealand, all the newcomers were invited to the town meeting.
There we were introduced to the fault line, running just under the town (Franz Josef and Fox). We were told that the big earthquake along the Alpine Fault is ‘expected’ to occur soon… the meeting went on for about an hour and we were told what could happen and how to prepare.
Like, I am not going to lie, it was intense.
And I came out as pale as a ghost. I didn’t even sleep for the next couple of nights. But, knowing what to expect, and how to prepare, helped a lot. I was there for a year, and there WERE A LOT OF EARTHQUAKES! Some big and some smaller ones. Being prepared helped me to stay calmer and not panic.
How to prepare for an earthquake
● Identify the safest places in your room. Underneath sturdy pieces of furniture is best. Stay away from windows (they will break) and heavy furniture (they will fall).
● Research the area you are visiting and learn where the earthquake emergency shelters are.
● Think about an evacuation plan and where to go.
● Have an emergency kit packed and ready.
What should be inside earthquake emergency kit
• at least 2 day’s supply of drinking water;
• canned food, dry food, snacks;
• flashlight and a whistle;
• personal hygiene products;
• first aid kit;
• copy of your documents in a sealed bag + phone numbers of your important contacts (family, friends, airline, tour company), and a number of your closest embassy – I have all of those on my travel planning form;
• warm clothes and personal hygiene items;
• Swiss knife and small rope;
• power bank and matches/lighter;
• pen and paper;
• money in cash.
In New Zealand I was also told to pack: water purification tablets and large white sheet.
What to do during an earthquake?
Earthquakes happen unexpectedly.
There may be warning signs, just seconds before the grounds start to shake. Like very loud noise resembling a herd of horses running towards you, or the sound of a train coming. Animals might behave or act weirdly.
When the ground starts to shake, it is extremely important to stay calm and not to panic. Keep your mind cool and collected. Depending on where you are at the time of the earthquake, this is what you should do.
Stop! Drop! Cover! Hold on!
If you are INDOORS
If you are inside of the building, hostel, hotel, house … stay inside.
It is important to remember that earthquakes usually don’t last long. So you won’t be able to do much. Plus the magnitude and intensity of an earthquake will limit your ability to move significantly. Racing outside can result in injuries because of panic and falls.
That is why your best option is to STOP everything that you are doing. DROP to the ground, hide under a desk or table or any other sturdy object. COVER your head and neck. Protect yourself from immediate dangers and HOLD ON to the object that you are hiding beneath. Be sure to stay close to the ground, as this will reduce your risk of injury.
If you find yourself in a skyscraper or higher building, stay away from the outside walls.
Move away from the windows and (if you have time) close the inside curtain so that the breaking window glass will not scatter. Do not use elevators or staircases. Stay away from bookcases, chandeliers, and other items that may fall. Don’t run out on balconies. Do not touch plugged-in electrical appliances.
If you are in bed, stay in bed. Do not move until the shaking has stopped and protect your head and neck with a pillow.
While indoors, your biggest concern is to protect yourself from falling objects.
DO NOT seek cover under the doorway. Once a popular safety tip is actually wrong. Standing under the doorway leaves your head unprotected, and in modern constructions, doorways are not ‘the strongest’ part of the skeleton of the building. Standing in a doorframe can get you seriously injured.
DON’T follow “triangle of life” practices. There might be voids between objects. But during shaking they might move and they can also topple and fall. And a strong table will do a better job protecting your head and neck, than a ‘hopeful’ empty space.
If you are OUTDOORS
If you are outside when an earthquake happens, move to an open area drop to the ground, and protect your head and neck.
Stay away from buildings, powerlines, and trees or bridges that can fall and collapse.
If you are in A CAR
If you are in a car, safely stop it in a clear location. Away from the tall buildings, trees, and powerlines. Don’t stop on a bridge or under the bridge. Turn off the car and turn on the warning lights. Stay in car and wait in a brace position for the shaking to stop.
When the shaking has stopped, avoid structures (underpasses or overpasses) that could be damaged by an earthquake.
What to do after the earthquake?
When the shaking is over, stay calm, cool and collected. Help is on the way!
What to expect after and what to do
● Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks, which can be almost as strong as the previous earthquake, can occur only after a couple of minutes and can last for days. Even months if the initial earthquake was of high intensity.
● When shaking stops, take your emergency kit and leave building.
● Let your friends and family know you are safe. Facebook has a cool feature ‘marked safe’. Get in touch with your embassy and emergency contacts. Save your phone’s battery.
● Use your food and water sparingly.
● Pay attention to other natural disasters, caused by an earthquake.
∘ Tsunamis may happen in coastal areas. If you see that there is ‘no water’ in the ocean or a lake, aim for high ground.
∘ In mountainous areas, pay attention to landslides. Find open areas and don’t stay in narrow valleys.
● Due to the shaking, electricity and phone connection may be cut off. Even so, do not touch or move electrical appliances and power cords. They may be electrified.
● Turn off all appliances (if there is a switch on a wall), water heaters, taps and stoves. There might be water and gas leaks, so do not light a match if stuck inside.
● Avoid elevators and be cautious when using stairs. Watch for cracks in the ground. Don’t go on bridges or overpasses.
If you are trapped under the debris, don’t try to move around. Save your energy and don’t try to kick up to avoid other injuries and stirring up dust.
If you lost your orientation and don’t know which way is up, let a little saliva out of your mouth. It will slide down because of gravitation. If you can, cover your mouth with a piece of clothing and do not scream (you will inhale more dust). Only call for help when you hear people are around.
Final thoughts on how to stay safe during earthquakes
Stop! Drop! Cover! Hold on!
Most well-known practice to do during an earthquake.
Earthquakes can be frightening and dangerous events, but knowing what to do in an earthquake, how to prepare for it, and what to do after can make all the difference.
When an quake happens, your biggest concern should be to protect yourself from falling objects.
If inside, drop to the floor and hide under a sturdy piece of furniture. If in bed, stay there but cover your head with a pillow and protect your neck with both hands. If outside, move away from tall trees, power lines, and tall buildings. Don’t stop on a bridge if in a car and stay in a vehicle. Always protect your head with your arms.
When the shaking stops, take your emergency kit and leave the building. Be careful using the stairs but never use an elevator. Let friends and family know you are safe but save your battery life. Pay attention to aftershocks or other possible disasters, like a tsunami.
Don’t forget the best stay safe earthquake quotes: “Stay cool, calm and collected because help is on its way.”
To increase your safety share this guide with others and make sure that everyone is aware of what to do in the case of an earthquake. Alse make sure to read other useful travel tips on how to get rid of jet lag, how to bargain, and how to travel more sustainable. You can also read my guides about safety of destinations, such as is Barbados safe, is Zanzibar safe, and others.
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• Is Barbados safe to visit? Everything you need to know
• Is Zanzibar safe to visit? 15 Things to know
• First-time Japan itinerary: How to spend 17 days in Japan
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