10 Ways to Prepare for an Earthquake

By Matt Hickman, MNN.com

Following the catastrophic earthquake that all but flattened Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince in January 2010, I published a guide on how to prepare for the “big one” or not-so-big-one at home that was geared towards those dealing with temperamental plate tectonics on a regular basis.

For many of you — particularly residents of California, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest — that post was more or less a refresher course in earthquake preparedness but in light of two major earth-rattling events in a matter of weeks — February’s 6.3 magnitude quake in New Zealand and last week’s devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan — I figured that now was an ideal time to republish that original post.

5 Ways to Help Japan

Thanks to stringent building codes and the fact that the Japanese people are at the top of the earthquake-preparedness-game, many homes (and lives) were mercifully spared and the mega-quake itself was prevented from living up to it’s full destructive potential in many areas. The terrifying 30-foot tsunami unleashed on Japan’s northeast coast by the earthquake and the tense nuclear situation in the Fukushima prefecture, however, are whole other stories. On page two, you’ll find my original post from last year on how you can prepare at home for an earthquake or another natural disaster.

As the grim situation in Japan continues to unfold, you’re probably wondering what you can do to to assist in the relief and rescue efforts. MNN blogger Andrew Schenkel has published a comprehensive post detailing ways you can help now. Additionally, The Impact Your World section of CNN has information on humanitarian organizations on the ground in Japan that you can support as does GOOD. And for a wonderfully written account of the quake, check out this New York Times Opinionator essay, “The Internet Kept Me Company,” written by my friend, Tokyo-based American journalist Sandra Barron. And, of course, MNN has you covered on the latest developments on this unprecedented disaster.

Are you ready for an Earthquake?

Next: What to do to prepare

1 of 3

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Charlie S.

11:00PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

I have experienced such/situations and when inside a building, please walk and don't run.
Now while; Washington, DC I had to tell the people in the Martin Luther King Library; Hay it's
an Earth......Even the Staff didn't know what was happening!

send a green star

Ellie D.

3:44AM PST on Nov 9, 2011

thanks

Ellen M.

12:36AM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

As the east coast has now learned, be prepared is not just for boy scouts...I can imagine how scared they were, and send out blessings to all.

jane r.

6:16AM PDT on Jun 5, 2011

thanks for the info

Eternal G.

6:41PM PDT on May 6, 2011

Ta!

Ncl L.

4:31PM PDT on Apr 6, 2011

Living in Aus, we think about this alot and are somewhat prepared.

Nessie B.

1:11PM PDT on Apr 5, 2011

I've shared this with all my california family and friends, as well as friends down-under...

carlee t.

10:10AM PDT on Apr 4, 2011

noted thx

Ji H.

10:21AM PDT on Mar 28, 2011

I'm not in earthquake t4rritory, but after reading about the risky nuclear plants I'm located close enough to experience radiation problems. That is mind-boggling!

Grace J.

7:14PM PDT on Mar 26, 2011

good info thanks