Earthquakes

• Identify places to take cover at home, work and school.
• Practice drop, cover and hold on with everyone in your household.
• Choose an out-of-area contact and decide how your household will reconnect if you are separated.
• Include disabilities, medical needs, medications, communication needs and pets in your plan.
• Learn first aid and consider Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

Make an emergency plan and explore local emergency preparedness training.

• Anchor bookcases, cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Install secure latches on cabinets to help keep their contents inside.
• Move heavy or breakable items to lower shelves.
• Keep heavy pictures and mirrors away from beds and seating areas.
• Have your water heater properly braced and secured.
• Ask a qualified professional about strengthening your home, including securing it to its foundation.

Prepare supplies for your household and keep essential items accessible.

• Drinking water and nonperishable food.
• A manual can opener.
• First aid supplies and essential medications.
• A flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Phone chargers and a portable power bank.
• Sturdy shoes, gloves and warm clothing.
• Supplies for infants, pets and household members with disabilities or medical needs.
• Copies of important documents and emergency contact information.

Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes near your bed.

View the emergency kit checklist.

• In bed: Stay there and protect your head and neck with a pillow.
• Using a wheelchair: Lock the wheels if possible, remain seated and protect your head and neck with your arms or a pillow.
• Unable to drop: Remain seated or sit down to avoid falling. Cover your head and neck.
• Outside: Stay outside. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees and power lines. Get low and protect yourself.
• Driving: Pull over safely away from overhead wires, bridges and overpasses. Set the parking brake and remain in the vehicle until shaking stops.

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid if you can do so safely.
• Expect aftershocks. Drop, cover and hold on whenever shaking starts again.
• Leave damaged buildings when safe. Do not reenter until authorities say it is safe.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and damaged utility equipment.
• If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area. Avoid flames, electrical switches and appliances. Call 911 from a safe location. Only a qualified professional should restore gas service.
• Use flashlights instead of candles.
• Follow official instructions through SMC Alert and a battery-powered radio.
• Use text messages to check in with loved ones when possible. Keep phone calls brief.
• If trapped, protect yourself from dust and signal rescuers by texting, using a whistle or tapping on a pipe or wall.

Tsunami awareness

If you are near the coast, learn the natural warning signs and evacuation routes. Visit San Mateo County’s tsunami preparedness page for guidance.