The Northridge earthquake was a 6.7‑magnitude jolt that collapsed freeways and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage across Los Angeles. It is a vivid reminder of how fast “normal life” can change when the ground moves. It’s been decades since our last major urban quake, which makes it easy to forget that California is earthquake country.

In fact, there is a greater than 99% chance that an earthquake similar to or more powerful than Northridge will hit California in the next 30 years, according to scientists, including those behind the California Earthquake Authority. A few smart steps now can make a big difference in how your household stands up to the next big one.

“Earthquake preparedness is about doing a few smart things before the shaking starts — securing heavy items, building an emergency plan, and updating your coverage. Those steps can make a big difference for both your safety and your finances,” says Steve Bennett, Sr. Director, Climate Science and Catastrophe Science.

Start Your Earthquake Preparedness Checklist with These 5 Steps

  1. Secure the obvious fall hazards at home: Strap tall bookcases, TVs, and dressers to wall studs; secure your water heater with two metal straps; move heavy objects off high shelves and away from beds and sofas.
  2. Pick your “safe spots” and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On: In each room, identify a sturdy table/desk or an interior wall away from windows, and actually run a quick drill with your household so it’s muscle memory, not theory.
  3. Build a basic emergency kit you can actually use: Start with water (at least one gallon per person per day for several days), non‑perishable food, flashlights/headlamps, a battery or hand‑crank radio, medications, a small first‑aid kit, and copies of key documents in a waterproof pouch.
  4. Make a simple family communication plan: Choose an out‑of‑area contact everyone can text or call, agree on a local meeting spot if you can’t get home, and write these details down for kids and older relatives.
  5. Check your insurance and close the earthquake coverage gap: Confirm what your homeowners or renters policy does not cover, talk to your agent about earthquake coverage (e.g., a CEA policy in California), and make sure your limits and deductibles line up with what it would really cost to repair or rebuild.

Earthquake Safety Tips for Your Property and Household

This checklist is designed to help you focus on what you can control — from simple fixes around the house to making sure your insurance coverage aligns with your earthquake risk.

Home Exterior

  • Evaluate the roof for any weak spots.
  • Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks.
  • Scale back or relocate trees that could fall on and cause damage to your home during an earthquake.
  • Secure the home to the foundation with anchor bolts every 4 to 6 feet.
  • Strengthen walls within a crawl space.
  • Locate your breaker box and clearly label the switches.
  • Reinforce brick chimneys or other masonry.
  • Brace “soft” first floor of a home with large openings, like a garage door, or a hillside house built on stilts.

Home Interior

  • Secure the water heater with two metal straps attached to studs.
  • Install latches to secure cabinet doors.
  • Place beds away from windows and heavy items that could fall, including mirrors.
  • Keep unstable or heavy objects away from doorways.
  • Lock important documents and irreplaceable valuables in a waterproof, fire-resistant box.
  • Secure items in your garage to reduce hazardous material spills, prevent damage to vehicles, and maintain access to exits.
  • Secure the refrigerator to the walls with earthquake appliance straps.
  • Secure top-heavy furniture to wall studs.
  • Use flexible connectors for gas appliances to prevent fires.
  • Remove or lock fridge wheels to prevent movement during an earthquake.
  • Move heavy furniture, such as bookshelves, away from areas where people sit or sleep.
  • Secure small valuables and home decor with non-damaging adhesives.

Create an Emergency Earthquake Safety Plan

  • Establish an emergency contact out of the area who can relay important information to all parties.
  • Identify protective spots in every room, under sturdy tables or against interior walls.
  • Take a first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training course.
  • Provide all household members with a list of emergency contact phone numbers.
  • Discuss a meeting spot in your neighborhood or city.
  • Store a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in your home.
  • Teach every household member to use their emergency whistle or knock three times repeatedly if they become trapped.
  • Be aware of the earthquake safety information and plans at your children’s school or daycare.
  • Practice “drop, cover, and hold on.”
  • Keep shoes and a flashlight close to each bed in the house.
  • Identify the locations of utility shutoffs, and keep necessary tools near those locations.

Household Disaster Kit (Two weeks’ worth)

  • Large water/bug-proof container
  • Nonperishable food items
  • Canned goods
  • One gallon of water per person per day
  • Extra fuel for the grill
  • Plates, bowls, and cups
  • Warm clothes
  • Sleeping bags
  • Heavy-duty plastic bags
  • Dust masks
  • Grill for cooking
  • Pots and pans with lids
  • Dish towel, soap, sponge
  • Tent
  • Extra blankets
  • Work gloves
  • Dried fruits and nuts
  • Cooking utensils, including a can opener, knives, a spatula, spoons, tongs, pot holders, and a cutting board
  • Waterproof matches or lighter
  • Forks, spoons, knives
  • Change of clothes and sneakers
  • Pillow and cushion
  • Protective goggles
  • Wrenches, multi-tool, and other tools to turn off utilities
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Additional flashlights and/or headlamps
  • Pet food and bowls
  • Medications and copies of prescriptions, medical cards, doctors’ contact information, and consent forms for dependents
  • Emergency cash
  • Hand-crank portable radio
  • Whistle
  • Leashes, harnesses, and comfort/play items for pets
  • Toiletry kit, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Extra batteries for the radio and flashlights
  • Games, toys, crayons, coloring books, and stuffed animals for children
  • First-aid kit with bandages, dehydration salts, gauze, antihistamines, and aspirin
  • Copies of personal documents, including insurance policies and medical records

Car and Work Disaster Kit (Three Days’ Worth)

  • First-aid kit with bandages, dehydration salts, gauze, antihistamines, and aspirin
  • Emergency cash
  • Extra batteries and a phone charger
  • Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses with solution
  • At least half a tank of gas
  • Medications and copies of prescriptions, medical cards, doctors’ contact information, and consent forms for dependents
  • Whistle
  • One gallon of bottled water

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Your regular homeowners policy will likely not cover damage due to an earthquake. Here are the steps to take now to ensure your property remains covered:

  • Contact a Mercury Insurance agent to determine your household coverage needs.
  • Familiarize yourself with what is and isn’t covered.
  • Create an inventory list and keep it current; save receipts and take photos for documentation.
  • Purchase a California Earthquake Authority policy through your Mercury agent.
  • Update your policy as needed (recommended yearly).

How to File a Claim for Earthquake Damage

After an earthquake, you’ll want to act fast to have the damage assessed. Here are the steps to take:

  • Call the Mercury Insurance 24/7 claim line at (800) 503-3724.
  • Provide your policy number.
  • Include the date, time, and location.
  • Give a description of the damage.
  • Take inventory of damaged property.
  • Evaluate and document the damage in photos and videos.
  • Do not dispose of damaged items.
  • Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage.
  • Keep itemized receipts for expenses such as temporary housing, repairs, and meals.

Preparing disaster kits and understanding earthquake safety information are good steps to remaining calm should an earthquake hit your area. At Mercury Insurance, we’re always here to help make sure your home and loved ones are covered. For more information about disaster preparedness, check out our Catastrophe Center.

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