Preparing your home for earthquakes
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.
Earthquake risk depends on where you live. If you’re in a seismic zone, preparation reduces damage and injuries significantly. Unlike hurricanes or tornadoes, earthquakes happen without warning. Preparation means making your home structure resilient, securing items that can topple, and having supplies for after the quake when services might be disrupted.
The most impactful preparations are structural (foundation bolting, water heater strapping) and behavioral (knowing how to respond when shaking starts).
Structural Improvements
Foundation bolting prevents homes from sliding off foundations during shaking. Older homes (pre-1980s, especially) often lack bolting. Retrofitting costs $1000 to $2500. It’s one of the most important earthquake preparations.
Cripple wall bracing strengthens the short wall between foundation and first floor in homes with basements. This prevents collapse of that space. Cost is $1500 to $3500. Homes without basements don’t need this.
Chimney bracing prevents chimneys from collapsing. A collapsed chimney is a fire hazard. Bracing costs $300 to $1000.
Gas line flexible connectors prevent rupture if pipes shift. Hard-piped gas lines can break, creating fire or explosion hazard. Flexible connectors are inexpensive ($100 to $300 installed) and important.
Water heater strapping secures the heater to wall studs, preventing it from toppling. A toppled water heater creates flooding and gas/electrical hazards. Strapping costs $50 to $150 DIY, $200 to $400 professionally.
Interior Preparation
Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, cabinets, dressers) to wall studs. Furniture can topple and injure someone. Wall anchors cost $10 to $30 per item.
Store breakables low and secured. High shelves full of fragile items become hazards during shaking. Cabinets with breakables should have latches.
Know where your gas shut-off is and how to operate it. If a gas line ruptures during an earthquake, turning off the main valve prevents gas from entering your home. This is the single most important thing to know.
Know where your electrical panel is. You might need to shut off power.
Know where the main water shut-off is. Ruptured water lines can cause flooding.
Family Preparation
Teach everyone “drop, cover, hold on.” When shaking starts, drop to hands and knees, cover your head, and hold on until shaking stops. Under a desk or table is good. Against an interior wall is second-best. Never run outside—falling debris is dangerous.
Establish a communication plan. After an earthquake, phone systems often overload. Agree to meet at a location and how to communicate.
Practice the response occasionally so it’s instinctive.
Emergency Supplies
Assemble an emergency kit with supplies for at least three days: water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, first aid kit, medications, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, documents in waterproof containers.
Include sturdy shoes (broken glass everywhere), work gloves, and dust masks.
Keep the kit accessible, not in a closet where debris might block it.
Cost and Priority
Structural improvements are expensive but highly valuable. Foundation bolting and water heater strapping are the biggest priorities. Many communities offer retrofit programs that subsidize work or provide contractor connections.
Interior preparation (securing furniture, lowering breakables) costs little but saves injuries.
Emergency supplies are inexpensive and universally useful.
After an Earthquake
Expect to be without services for hours to days. Use supplies carefully. Listen to official guidance about water safety, gas hazards, and when it’s safe to move around.
Aftershocks follow the main quake. Stay prepared and drop-cover-hold if aftershocks occur.
Earthquake preparation is practical and affordable. The structural work is an investment, but the supplies and behavioral changes cost nothing and might save your life.
© The Whole Home Guide