Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth’s surface. Earthquakes happen along cracks (called fault lines) in the earth's surface. Earthquakes can be felt over large areas, although they usually last less than one minute. Unfortunately, earthquakes cannot be predicted, but you can be prepared for them.

  1. Words to Know
  2. Before an Earthquake
  3. During an Earthquake
  4. Additional Resources
  • Aftershock: A smaller earthquake that follows the main shock or previous earthquake
  • Epicenter: The center, or focus, of an earthquake, from which seismic waves are sent spherically in many directions
  • Fault Lines: Cracks in the rocks below the earth’s surface
  • Seismic Activity: Another word for earthquakes, along with tremors, quakes and shakes