Earthquake Preparedness When You Live Alone

Earthquakes strike without warning. When you live alone, a few advance preparations and a reliable check-in system can be the difference between a frightening night and a disaster.

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More than 143 million Americans live in areas at risk of a damaging earthquake, yet fewer than 40% have taken any preparedness steps.

The Challenge

Unsecured furniture and falling objects cause most earthquake injuries — and there is nobody to help you if you are hurt at home.

After a quake, your contacts have no way of knowing if you are safe unless you can contact them.

Many people do not know the correct technique to protect themselves during shaking.

Aftershocks can continue for hours or days, and when alone you must make repeated shelter decisions without anyone to help assess structural damage.

How I'm Alive Helps

Secure tall furniture and water heaters to wall studs, and store heavy items on low shelves.

Practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On technique so it becomes automatic.

Use I'm Alive to send a post-earthquake check-in so contacts know you are safe — or to trigger help if you are injured.

Keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight under your bed so you can navigate broken glass safely in the dark after a nighttime quake when no one else is there to help.

Securing Your Home and Knowing What to Do

Anchor bookcases, wardrobes, and refrigerators to wall studs with L-brackets. Move heavy or breakable items from high shelves to lower ones. During shaking: Drop to hands and knees, take Cover under a sturdy desk or against an interior wall away from windows, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Do not run outside during shaking. After shaking stops, check for injuries, then check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call emergency services.

Post-Earthquake Safety and Communication

Be prepared for aftershocks after the main quake. Stay away from damaged buildings, downed power lines, and areas with debris. Have a 72-hour emergency kit: water (1 gallon per person per day), food, first aid kit, torch, radio, medications, and copies of key documents. I'm Alive allows you to send a quick status update to all your contacts simultaneously after a quake — letting them know you are safe, or triggering emergency assistance if you are injured and unable to call.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stand in a doorway during an earthquake?

No — this is outdated advice. Modern doorframes offer no special protection. Drop, Cover under a sturdy table or desk, and Hold On.

What should I do if I smell gas after a quake?

Leave the building immediately, leave the door open, do not operate any switches or flames, and call the gas emergency line from outside.

How much water should I store for emergencies?

Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days (72 hours). For longer emergencies, aim for a 2-week supply.

Is earthquake insurance worth it for solo renters?

Standard renter's insurance does not cover earthquake damage. A separate earthquake policy is worth considering if you live in a high-risk zone.

How does I'm Alive help after an earthquake?

Send a single check-in to all your trusted contacts at once. If you are injured and cannot respond, a missed scheduled check-in will trigger automatic alerts to your contacts.