What to Do in the First 10 Minutes of an Earthquake
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The first ten minutes after an earthquake can be chaotic, frightening, and life-changing. The decisions you make during those critical moments can help protect you, your family, and even your neighbors.
Fortunately, you don't have to guess what to do. By knowing the right steps ahead of time, you can respond with confidence instead of panic.
Here's what to do during the first ten minutes after the ground starts shaking.
Minute 0: Stay Calm and Protect Yourself
The instant you feel shaking, or receive an earthquake warning if your area has an early warning system, remember three simple words:
Drop. Cover. Hold On.
- Drop to your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down.
- Cover your head and neck beneath a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby.
- Hold On until the shaking completely stops.
If there isn't a table nearby:
- Kneel next to an interior wall.
- Protect your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, fireplaces, and tall furniture that could fall.
Do not run outside while the ground is shaking. Falling bricks, broken glass, power lines, and debris are responsible for many earthquake injuries.
If You're in Bed
Stay where you are.
Cover your head with a pillow and remain in bed unless you're directly beneath a heavy light fixture or other object that could fall.
If You're Outside
Move to an open area away from:
- Buildings
- Trees
- Utility poles
- Streetlights
- Bridges
- Power lines
Once you're in the open, stay there until the shaking ends.
If You're Driving
Pull over as safely as possible.
Avoid stopping under:
- Overpasses
- Bridges
- Trees
- Utility lines
- Large signs
Set the parking brake and stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
Minute 1–3: Check for Injuries
Once the shaking has stopped, take a deep breath and quickly assess your surroundings.
Check yourself first.
Then check:
- Children
- Elderly family members
- Anyone with disabilities
- Pets
Administer first aid if necessary.
Life-threatening bleeding should be your first priority.
If someone is trapped, don't attempt a dangerous rescue unless you can do so safely.
Minute 3–5: Prepare for Aftershocks
One earthquake is rarely the end.
Aftershocks can happen within seconds, minutes, or days.
Some are nearly as strong as the original quake.
Stay alert and be prepared to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again if more shaking begins.
Avoid damaged buildings if possible.
Minute 5–7: Check for Immediate Hazards
Before moving around your home, look for dangerous conditions.
Watch for:
- Gas leaks
- Electrical hazards
- Broken water lines
- Fallen furniture
- Broken glass
- Structural damage
If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound:
- Turn off the gas only if you know how and it can be done safely. If you don't know how, learn (YouTube has good videos on this subject).
- Leave the building.
- Do not light matches or candles.
- Avoid turning electrical switches on or off.
If you see sparking wires or damaged electrical equipment, shut off power if it's safe to do so.
Minute 7–10: Gather Your Essentials
If your home appears unsafe or authorities recommend evacuation, grab your emergency kit.
Your kit should include:
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- First aid supplies
- Prescription medications
- Cell phone charger or power bank
- Copies of important documents
- Cash
- Sturdy shoes
- Whistle
If you have pets, grab their food, medications, and leash or carrier as well.
Check out this article for more information on emergency kits.
Check on Your Neighbors
Once your household is safe, check on nearby neighbors.
Older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children may need assistance.
A prepared community recovers faster than prepared individuals alone.
Use Your Phone Wisely
Cell networks often become overloaded after major disasters.
Instead of calling:
- Send text messages.
- Use messaging apps if available.
- Keep calls short and only for emergencies.
- Calls out-of-state often go through when in-state calls can't. Have an out-of-state contact to relay information to in-state family members.
Conserve your phone battery in case power remains out for an extended period. Having a solar powered power bank like this (Amazon link) can help to keep your phone charged.
Listen for Official Information
Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio if available. This NOAA radio found on Amazon can use USB, solar, hand crank or battery power.
Follow instructions from local emergency management officials.
Avoid spreading rumors or relying solely on social media for information.
If You Need to Evacuate
Wear sturdy shoes before walking.
Broken glass, nails, and debris can cause serious injuries.
Take only what you need.
Lock your home if time allows.
Leave quickly if officials advise evacuation.
What NOT to Do After an Earthquake
Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Don't use elevators.
❌ Don't light candles if there's a possibility of a gas leak.
❌ Don't enter visibly damaged buildings.
❌ Don't touch downed power lines.
❌ Don't drive unless absolutely necessary, as roads may be damaged and emergency responders need access.
❌ Don't assume the danger has passed after the first quake.
Preparing Before the Next Earthquake
The first ten minutes are much easier if you've prepared ahead of time.
Before the next earthquake:
- Secure heavy furniture to walls.
- Use childproof locks to lock glass dishes in cabinets that might otherwise fall out and shatter.
- Remove shelves or any heavy objects that are above beds.
- Store water and emergency food.
- Build a 72-hour emergency kit.
- Keep sturdy shoes next to your bed.
- Know how to shut off your utilities.
- Practice earthquake drills with your family.
- Create a communication plan in case family members become separated.
- Check your homeowners insurance to see if it covers earthquake damage. You might need to buy earthquake insurance in a separate policy.
Preparedness isn't about expecting disaster—it's about reducing chaos when it happens.
Final Thoughts
Earthquakes strike without warning, but your response doesn't have to be improvised.
By remembering to Drop, Cover, and Hold On, checking for injuries, watching for hazards, preparing for aftershocks, and relying on your emergency supplies, you'll greatly improve your chances of staying safe during those critical first ten minutes.
Preparedness isn't about fear, it's about confidence. The time you spend planning today can make all the difference when every second counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I run outside during an earthquake?
No. Unless you are already outdoors, stay where you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Most injuries occur from falling debris, broken glass, and collapsing exterior walls while people are trying to run outside.
What should I do immediately after an earthquake?
Check yourself and others for injuries, prepare for aftershocks, look for and mitigate hazards such as gas leaks or damaged electrical lines, and gather your emergency supplies if evacuation becomes necessary.
Should I turn off my gas after every earthquake?
Only turn off your gas if you smell a leak, hear hissing, or see obvious damage—and only if you know how to do so safely. Once turned off, gas service should generally be restored by the utility company.
How long should an emergency kit last after an earthquake?
A minimum of 72 hours is recommended, but many preparedness experts now suggest storing enough food, water, and supplies for at least two weeks, since major earthquakes can disrupt utilities and supply chains for extended periods. You will never regret having more. Depending on the strength of the quake and the location, water, power, and sewer systems may not be fully restored for months.
Other Articles of Interest
How to Get Your Community Involved in Emergency Preparedness
How to Make Prepping a Family Affair
15 Ways to Make Your Home Safer Before a Disaster
What Every Homeowner Should Stock to Protect and Secure Their Home in an Emergency