Earthquake Safety When Living Alone

Earthquakes strike without warning. When you live alone, preparation and a reliable check-in system are the difference between a scary moment and a dangerous crisis.

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Most earthquake injuries happen when people try to move during shaking. When you live alone, there is no one to help if you are trapped or injured afterward.

The Challenge

No one nearby to help if you are trapped under furniture or debris after shaking stops

Panic and disorientation are magnified when you are alone with no one to reassure you or assess injuries

Family and friends have no way to know if you are safe, especially if phone networks are overwhelmed

How I'm Alive Helps

Set a daily I'm Alive check-in so your contacts are automatically alerted if you cannot respond after a quake

Prepare an earthquake kit and secure heavy furniture now -- solo dwellers cannot rely on a partner to help in the moment

Establish a post-quake communication plan with your emergency contacts so everyone knows what to do when networks are down

Preparing Your Home for Earthquakes When You Live Alone

Earthquake preparation is especially important when no one else shares your space. Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and bookshelves to wall studs with anti-tip brackets. Move heavy objects off high shelves and store breakables in low, closed cabinets. Identify safe spots in every room -- under sturdy desks or tables, away from windows and exterior walls. Keep an earthquake kit in an accessible location with water, food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, sturdy shoes, and a whistle. Place a pair of shoes and a flashlight under your bed so you can navigate broken glass in the dark. Know how to shut off your gas, water, and electricity.

During and After the Shaking

When shaking starts, drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on. Do not run outside or stand in a doorway. Stay where you are until the shaking stops completely. After the shaking, check yourself for injuries before moving. Put on sturdy shoes and carefully exit if your building appears damaged. Once safe, check in with your emergency contacts. If phone networks are down, your scheduled I'm Alive check-in acts as a silent alarm -- a missed check-in automatically alerts your contacts that something may be wrong. This is critical in earthquakes where cell towers are often overwhelmed for hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during an earthquake if I live alone?

Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table or desk. Do not run outside. Stay put until shaking stops, then check yourself for injuries, put on sturdy shoes, and carefully assess your surroundings before moving. If your building is damaged, exit carefully and go to an open area.

How do I let people know I am safe after an earthquake?

Try texting before calling as texts often get through when calls cannot. Use social media safety check features. Your I'm Alive check-in provides an automatic layer -- if you check in on schedule, contacts know you are okay. If you miss it, they know to take action.

What should be in an earthquake kit for someone living alone?

At minimum: three days of water and non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, medications, whistle, sturdy shoes, dust mask, wrench for gas shutoff, phone charger or battery pack, cash, copies of important documents, and a warm layer.

How does I'm Alive help during earthquake emergencies?

If an earthquake leaves you injured or trapped, you may not be able to call for help. Your daily I'm Alive check-in ensures that a missed response triggers automatic alerts to your emergency contacts, who can then send help to your location without you needing to make a call.

How do I prepare for aftershocks when living alone?

Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks after the initial quake and can cause additional damage to weakened structures. Keep your shoes on and stay away from damaged areas of your home. Move to a shelter if your building has visible structural damage. Keep your earthquake kit accessible rather than putting it away after the first quake. Continue your daily I'm Alive check-ins during the aftershock period so your contacts maintain ongoing awareness of your safety status.