Earthquake Home Prep: 4 Steps That Protect Lives and Property

TL;DR: Most earthquake injuries come from falling objects and fixable hazards. Four steps make your home dramatically safer.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 2 min read_

In an earthquake, most injuries and a lot of damage come from things that fall, break, or rupture — and those are exactly what you can fix in advance. Four steps make a real difference: secure the water heater, anchor furniture, know your gas shutoff, and keep a kit handy. Ready.gov has detailed regional guidance.

Why strap the water heater?

Strap the water heater to wall studs. An unsecured water heater can topple in a quake, rupturing gas and water lines — a leading cause of post-earthquake fires and flooding. Two metal straps bolted into studs (a cheap, code-recommended kit) hold it in place. It's one of the highest-value earthquake retrofits for the money.

How do I anchor furniture for an earthquake?

Anchor tall furniture and bookshelves to the wall with straps or L-brackets into studs — the same as tip-over childproofing, but for everyone. In a quake, heavy furniture, TVs, and top-heavy shelves fall and injure people and block exits. Secure them, and use latches on cabinets so contents don't fly out.

Should I know how to shut off the gas?

Yes — learn how to shut off the gas manually and keep the right wrench by the meter. After a quake, a gas leak is a fire and explosion risk; knowing how to turn it off (only if you smell gas or suspect a leak) is critical. Note: once shut off, only the utility should turn it back on. Also know your water and electrical shutoffs.

Where should the emergency kit be?

Keep an emergency kit accessible, not buried. Water, food, flashlight, first aid, sturdy shoes and gloves (for broken glass), medications, and a radio — stored where you can grab it after shaking, ideally with a kit in the car too. A kit you can't reach in the dark amid debris doesn't help. Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" as a household.

Keep your prep documented

Logging your retrofits, shutoff locations, and kit contents keeps the household ready. Okoniq Property Hub keeps it with your home maintenance records in one private place.

Frequently asked questions

What's the single most important earthquake prep step?

Securing heavy items that can fall — water heater, furniture, and overhead objects — plus knowing "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Most injuries are from falling objects, not collapse.

Should I turn off the gas after every earthquake?

No — only if you smell gas, hear hissing, or suspect a leak. Unnecessary shutoffs require a utility visit to restore. Know how, but use judgment.

Okoniq Property Hub helps homeowners and landlords keep maintenance, bills, and contractor info in one calm place. Get started free.

FAQ

How much does it cost to strap a water heater for earthquake safety?

A water heater strapping kit costs $15 to $40 at most hardware stores, and installation takes about an hour if you're comfortable drilling into studs. Professional installation typically runs $100 to $200.

Do renters need earthquake preparation kits, or is that the landlord's job?

Renters should keep their own emergency kit with water, food, flashlight, and medications — landlords are responsible for structural retrofits like water heater strapping, but personal preparedness supplies are on you.

How long should earthquake emergency supplies last?

Plan for at least 72 hours (three days) of water and food per person, though many experts now recommend a week's worth since major quakes can disrupt utilities and supply chains longer than expected.

Can I use regular furniture straps, or do I need special earthquake anchors?

Regular tip-over straps work if they're bolted into wall studs — the key is solid anchoring, not a special "earthquake" label. L-brackets and flexible nylon straps both work; avoid adhesive-only solutions.