Earthquake Preparedness and First Aid: How to Survive and Respond

Why Earthquake Preparedness Matters

Earthquakes are among the most unpredictable natural disasters. Unlike hurricanes or blizzards, earthquakes strike without warning — there is no forecast, no evacuation order, and no time to prepare once the ground starts shaking. In Canada, British Columbia is at particularly high risk due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, but significant seismic zones also exist in the St. Lawrence Valley, the Ottawa region, and parts of the Maritimes. In the United States, earthquake risk extends far beyond California to include the Pacific Northwest, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central states, and areas along the East Coast.

Knowing what to do during and after an earthquake — and having the first aid skills to help injured people — can save lives. This guide covers earthquake safety procedures, common earthquake injuries, and the first aid skills you need to respond effectively in the chaotic aftermath of a seismic event.

What to Do During an Earthquake

If You Are Indoors: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Drop to your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling and allows you to move if needed. Cover your head and neck with your arms and take shelter under a sturdy desk, table, or other piece of furniture. If no shelter is available, get next to an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared for the furniture to move — hold on and be ready to move with it.

Do not run outside during the shaking — falling debris from buildings is one of the leading causes of earthquake injuries. Do not stand in a doorway — this is an outdated recommendation that does not provide meaningful protection in modern buildings. Do not try to use elevators.

If You Are Outdoors

Move away from buildings, power lines, trees, and streetlights. Drop to the ground and cover your head with your arms. Stay in the open until the shaking stops. If you are near a coastline, move to higher ground immediately after the shaking ends, as earthquakes can trigger tsunamis.

If You Are Driving

Pull over to the side of the road away from overpasses, bridges, power lines, and buildings. Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. The vehicle’s suspension will absorb some of the motion. After the shaking ends, proceed cautiously, watching for road damage, fallen debris, and downed power lines.

Common Earthquake Injuries

The most common injuries during earthquakes include cuts and lacerations from broken glass and falling objects, fractures from being struck by falling debris or crushed under collapsed structures, head injuries from falling objects, crush injuries when people are trapped under heavy debris, dust inhalation and respiratory problems, and burns from ruptured gas lines and electrical fires.

In the aftermath of a major earthquake, hospitals and emergency services may be overwhelmed or inaccessible due to road damage. This means that bystanders with first aid training often become the primary source of emergency care in the critical first hours.

First Aid After an Earthquake

Assess for Hazards First

Before rushing to help others, check your immediate environment for hazards. Look for structural damage to the building you are in — cracked walls, sagging ceilings, and leaning structures are signs that the building may be unstable. Check for gas leaks by smell (natural gas has a distinctive rotten egg odor) — if you smell gas, evacuate immediately and do not use any electrical switches or open flames. Check for downed power lines and electrical hazards. Be aware that aftershocks can occur minutes to days after the initial earthquake.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself first — you cannot help others if you are injured. Then check family members, coworkers, or anyone nearby. Prioritize injuries by severity: life-threatening conditions (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness) need immediate attention, while less serious injuries can wait.

Control Severe Bleeding

Earthquake injuries frequently involve heavy bleeding from cuts caused by glass, metal, and debris. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. For severe limb bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure, apply a tourniquet if you have one and are trained to use it. Keep the person lying down and elevate the injured area if possible.

Manage Crush Injuries

If someone has been trapped under heavy debris, do not attempt to remove the debris unless you are confident it is safe to do so and the person will not be further injured. Crush syndrome can develop when a person who has been compressed under heavy weight for an extended period is suddenly released — the toxins that build up in crushed muscles can cause kidney failure and cardiac arrest when they enter the bloodstream. If someone has been trapped for more than 15 minutes, call for professional rescue assistance.

Treat for Shock

People with serious injuries are at risk for shock. Signs include pale or gray skin, rapid breathing, confusion, and weakness. Have the person lie down, elevate their legs slightly (unless there is a suspected spinal injury), cover them with a blanket or coat, and stay with them until help arrives.

Building an Earthquake Emergency Kit

Every household in an earthquake-prone area should have an emergency kit that can sustain the family for at least 72 hours. Your kit should include water (4 liters per person per day for drinking and sanitation), non-perishable food and a manual can opener, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a whistle to signal for help, dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place, essential medications, copies of important documents in a waterproof container, cash in small denominations, sturdy shoes and work gloves, and a basic tool set.

Store your emergency kit in an easily accessible location and review its contents every six months, replacing expired food, water, and medications. Consider keeping smaller kits in your car and workplace as well.

After the Earthquake: What to Do Next

Once the immediate shaking has stopped, expect aftershocks and be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on again. Use your phone only for emergency calls to keep networks available for people in critical need. If your home is damaged, evacuate and do not reenter until it has been inspected by authorities. Turn off gas, water, and electricity at the main switches if you suspect damage to these systems. Help neighbors who may need assistance, particularly the elderly, disabled, and young children.

Prepare Your Family with First Aid Training

In a major disaster, you may be the only help available for hours or even days. First aid certification gives you the skills to manage bleeding, treat fractures, perform CPR, and support injured people until professional help arrives. At Coast2Coast in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, and 30+ other locations, our hands-on courses prepare you for exactly these situations.