Earthquake

Last Updated: January 29, 2025

​An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk for earthquakes include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley.​

​What can I do to be prepared for an earthquake?

There are four basic steps you can take to be more prepared for an earthquake:

  • Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
  • Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
  • Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
  • Step 4: Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the emergency situations. Additional resources and tools can be found here: Psychological Stress Resources​​​​

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