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Stay safe during an earthquake.

We’re here to help protect you before, during and after a natural disaster.

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How to prepare for a natural disaster

We’ve put together a natural disaster action plan with tips to help you stay safe.

  • Create an evacuation plan.
  • Grab your emergency kit.
  • Gather important documents.
  • Photograph your property.
Check out action plan

What to do during an earthquake

To reduce the risk of injury, remember the phrase "drop, cover, and hold on."

Drop

Before the earthquake can knock you down, get to your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling but allows you to move if necessary.

Cover

Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk, if available. This helps protect your head, neck and entire body.

Hold on

Grip your shelter tightly until the shaking stops. Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts during the earthquake.

Earthquake safety tips

Be prepared for an earthquake with . Make sure you have an emergency plan Be prepared for an earthquake.

Safety tips during an earthquake

  • Cover your mouth with a cloth to avoid dust.
  • If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
  • If trapped by debris, be loud. Try banging on a pipe or making noise instead of shouting.
  • If you need to evacuate, locate a shelter.
  • If you're in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be aware of falling rocks, debris and landslides.
  • If you're near the shore, be aware of tsunami waves. Immediately go to higher ground or inland away from the coast.
  • Put a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight in a bag. Store it in a safe place with easy access.
  • Charge your mobile device and sign up for emergency alerts.

Indoor safety

  • Don't go outside and get on the ground immediately.
  • Don't stand in a doorway. You're safer under a table.
  • If you're in bed, stay there. Lie face down to protect vital organs.
  • If you're seated but can't drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck.
  • In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during an earthquake.

Outdoor safety

  • Stay outside and crawl toward an open space if you can.
  • Stay away from building exteriors, overhead power lines and trees.
  • If you're in a moving vehicle, stop when it's safe to do so.
  • Move your vehicle to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and underpasses or overpasses.
  • Stay in the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on, set the parking brake and turn on your hazard warning lights for visibility.

How to stay safe after an earthquake

If you’ve experienced damage, you probably have questions about the next steps. Always keep in mind that your safety comes first.

Consider these tips to guide you through the process.

  • Follow authorities and local news for updates.
  • Expect potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami if you live on a coast.
  • Enter your home cautiously and keep children and pets away until it’s safe.

For more help after an earthquake, check out these .

Safety tips after an earthquake

  • Communicate with family and friends via text or social media, as phone lines may be busy.
  • Avoid bridges and ramps that may have been damaged. Be aware of breaks in the pavement, downed utility poles and wires, rising water levels, fallen overpasses and collapsed bridges. Report them immediately to a power company.
  • Extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
  • Open closet and cabinet doors carefully as contents may have shifted.
  • Protect yourself from harmful bacteria, and airborne inhalation and electrical hazards.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear such as rubber boots, a respirator, rubber gloves, goggles and head cover.
  • Use antibiotic ointment for abrasions or cuts and cover them up as best you can to avoid infections.

What to do after an earthquake

Know your rights and protect finances.

Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairs after a covered loss whether you work with a USAA-preferred contractor or not.

If you want to use your own, ask friends and family for recommendations and read reviews. And make sure you read and understand any documents before signing.

Inspect property and assess damage.

If you find damage, take photos and file a claim. Check for water leaks, especially in ceilings. Save receipts for temporary repairs and avoid permanent repairs until your claims adjuster checks the damage.

File claims for vehicle damage.

If there’s damage, take photos before removing debris or making temporary repairs. For auto glass damage, file an auto glass claim. For other damage, file an auto claim. Save receipts for temporary repairs to get reimbursed.

Manage post-earthquake stress.

Recovering from an earthquake can be extremely stressful. These tips can help you and your loved ones know what to look for emotionally after a disaster. Taking things one step at a time can make the process feel more manageable.

How to file a natural disaster claim

Try to report your claim as soon as possible. This helps you secure a contractor early, avoiding long wait times to hear from them.

Steps to complete How to file a natural disaster claim

  1. Report your claim

    Tell us what happened. Get started on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App.

  2. Get more details

    We’ll review what happened and check what your policy covers. You can also add more details in My Claims Center.

  3. Evaluate the claim

    We’ll go over the details and figure out what to pay based on your coverage and deductible.

  4. Settle the claim

    If covered, we’ll make a payment to you or a third party.

Ready to report your claim?

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Related footnotes:

  1. Safety guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but are provided for your consideration. Please use your own judgment to determine what safety features/procedures should be used in each unique situation.

  2. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA S.A. (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (United Kingdom) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

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