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Earthquake Resource Center

Earthquakes can strike anytime, with no warning or second chance to prepare. They can cause damage, disrupt business, threaten safety, and lead to financial loss. It’s not just a West Coast issue—about half of the U.S. faces moderate to high risk. This includes areas with less-known fault lines that could still produce damaging quakes.

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Protecting against earthquakes

Earthquakes don’t come with a forecast. They happen without warning and can last only seconds, but their effects can take months or years to recover.

Without proper preparation, the results can be serious:

  • Injuries or loss of life from falling debris, building collapse, or poor emergency plans
  • Damage to buildings that disrupts operations, displaces families, or leads to costly repairs
  • Long-term business shutdowns that affect revenue, employees, and customer trust
  • Delays in insurance claims and recovery because of missing documentation or a lack of planning
  • Emotional and mental stress for employees, families, and leaders during recovery

Knowing how to protect your property and people, understanding your insurance coverage, and planning recovery steps can help you better prepare for an event.
 

CAT Resource Center

Visit our partner Guy Carpenter's Insights Library. This resource center offers live and post-event updates, seasonal outlooks, and periodic insights on natural catastrophes.

Insights Library

Protecting your business and employees

Earthquakes are a real threat in many parts of the U.S. It’s not just about the well-known areas, so insureds need to think more broadly. Seismic activity can occur along the West and East coasts and across much of the central United States.

According to FEMA, 45 states and territories face moderate to high earthquake risk. Unlike hurricanes, wildfires, or storms, earthquakes happen without warning, leaving little time to prepare. It’s important to consider your business’s specific risks. 

The USGS Earthquake Hazards Map can help you assess your geographic risk. 

Because earthquakes happen suddenly, taking steps to prepare can help reduce the impact on your business. Here are some steps that you can take to prepare and lower your risks:

  • Structural prep: Secure heavy equipment, shelves, and fixtures to prevent injuries and property damage. Having a structural engineer evaluate your building can identify needed upgrades.
  • Employee readiness: Develop and regularly update an emergency plan with clear steps to follow during an earthquake. Conduct drills and train your team on emergency roles, kits, and first aid supplies. Without practice, employees might not know what resources are available to them.
  • Business continuity: Create a plan that covers backup work options, communication with suppliers, and how to serve clients during an emergency. Review your insurance and consider adding earthquake coverage if it makes sense for your business.

Visit Earthquake Preparedness for checklists and templates to help you start your planning process.

During an earthquake, quick thinking can save lives. For employees on site, it’s important to:

  • Drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold onto something sturdy. Stay in place until the shaking stops.
  • Keep away from windows, exterior walls, and unsecured furniture. Being near these areas can increase the risk of injury.
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops. Falling debris during and after an earthquake is a common cause of injuries.

The CDC’s Guidelines for Earthquake Safety provide step-by-step instructions to help you stay safe during an earthquake.

After the shaking stops, your business should act quickly to protect people and keep things running smoothly.

Safety first:

  • Evacuate the building if it’s safe and make sure all employees are accounted for before moving on.
  • Check for injuries and give first aid if you’re trained and it’s safe to do so.
  • After shocks and structural damage can cause ongoing risks, so move carefully and stay alert.

Secure operations:

  • Check utilities and turn off gas or electrical systems if you suspect damage.
  • Keep on-site and off-site employees and clients informed about your business status and recovery plans. Good communication is essential.
  • Record all damages and start the claims process with your insurance company. Your MMA team is here to help you through it.

FEMA’s QuakeSmart Business Toolkit offers guidance, information, and templates to help your business and team stay prepared and protected.

Protecting your home and valuables

Earthquakes cause around $14.7 billion in damage each year in the U.S. We can’t predict when or where an earthquake will happen, but we can help you understand your risks and prepare in advance.

Planning, preparing, and practicing before an earthquake happens is important.

Create a plan for when a quake occurs. The U.S. Geological Survey offers tips on what to do based on your location and activity during an earthquake hit. For example, stay away from fireplaces and avoid the kitchen, which can be a danger zone.

People previously thought doorways were the safest place during an earthquake. That’s no longer true with modern buildings. The recommended safety action is to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON to protect yourself when an earthquake occurs.

Read our full earthquake article for detailed tips on making a plan, what to include in your recovery kit, and tips on financial recovery after a disaster.

Learn what you can do to prepare your property for an earthquake.

Installing a seismic shutoff valve, also called an earthquake shutoff valve, on your gas line can stop gas from entering your home, and help prevent fire. MMA Risk Advisory Leader Brad Sawyer has curated exclusive insights on this and other tips to help you reduce your risks as a homeowner.

A strong roof helps make your home more resilient. Find out what steps you can take to improve your roof.

If you experience a covered loss, a claims analyst will help you file a claim with your insurer and guide you through the entire process.

File a personal lines claim. 

If your home or valuables are affected by an earthquake, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.

Brad's 2025 Thoughts

“If you live where the ground shakes, you know the damage to homes can be extensive in the aftermath. Taking time in advance to prepare and build with quality materials may go a long way in safeguarding your space.”

Brad Sawyer
SVP, Risk Advisory Leader