Earthquake Preparedness for Seniors: A California Checklist

For older adults in California, earthquake preparedness means securing the home to prevent injuries, keeping at least a week of medications and supplies, planning for mobility needs, and having a way to communicate with family. During shaking, people who can should Drop, Cover and Hold On; people who use a wheelchair or walker should Lock, Cover and Hold On. Install the MyShake app for early warnings, and share your parent’s plan with family and caregivers.

California will experience major earthquakes; the question is when. Older adults face higher risks from falling objects, falls during shaking, interrupted medications, and loss of power or water. The good news is that most preparation is simple and inexpensive. Earthquake preparedness for seniors in California means securing the home, packing a week of supplies, and planning for mobility needs.

This guide covers home safety, supplies, what to do during and after a quake, and how families and caregivers can help.

How do you make a home safer for earthquakes?

1. Secure tall furniture like bookcases and dressers to wall studs.
2. Move heavy items to lower shelves, and keep them away from beds and favorite chairs.
3. Secure the water heater with straps.
4. Install latches on kitchen cabinets.
5. Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by the bed.
6. Clear walkways so your parent can move safely after shaking.
7. Know how to shut off gas and water, and keep a wrench near the gas meter.
8. Consider a seismic retrofit for older homes; California has programs that help with costs.

What should be in a senior’s earthquake kit?

• Water and food: 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 7 days; easy-to-open foods
• Medications: At least 7 days of medications and a written list
• Medical equipment: Backup batteries, chargers, extra oxygen
• Personal items: Glasses, hearing aids with batteries, dentures, incontinence supplies
• Documents: Copies of ID, insurance cards, POLST or advance directive
• Safety: Flashlight, whistle, first aid kit, N95 masks, sturdy shoes
• Communication: Battery radio, phone charger or power bank, written contact list
• Comfort: Blanket, change of clothes, familiar items
• Cash: Small bills

Keep a smaller kit by the bed and another in the car if your parent drives.

What should seniors do during an earthquake?

• Able to get to the floor: Drop, Cover under a sturdy table, and Hold On
• Uses a wheelchair or walker: Lock wheels or set the walker aside, Cover head and neck, Hold On
• In bed: Stay in bed, cover head and neck with a pillow
• Outdoors: Move away from buildings, trees and power lines if safe
• Driving: Pull over away from overpasses and power lines, and stay in the car

Don’t run outside during shaking; falling debris is a major cause of injury.

What should you do after an earthquake?

1. Check for injuries and call 911 for emergencies.
2. Put on sturdy shoes before walking.
3. Check for gas leaks; if you smell gas, leave and shut off the gas only if trained to.
4. Expect aftershocks.
5. Check on your parent by phone or text; texts often go through when calls don’t.
6. Follow official updates by radio or phone.

How do you get earthquake early warnings?

California’s MyShake app and Wireless Emergency Alerts can provide seconds of warning before shaking arrives, enough time to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Install MyShake on your parent’s phone and make sure emergency alerts are turned on.

How do families and caregivers fit into the plan?

• Name a local person who will check on your parent after a quake.
• Choose an out-of-area contact everyone updates.
• Share the plan with your parent’s home care agency.
• Keep medication lists and emergency contacts on the refrigerator.

Caregivers can help check supplies, keep medication lists current, and support your parent during and after an emergency.

What about power outages after a quake?

If your parent uses oxygen or other powered medical equipment, plan backup power and ask your utility about medical baseline programs.

How do you practice earthquake safety with a senior?

Practicing earthquake safety helps seniors react quickly during a real quake.

• Practice drop, cover, and hold on. Adapt the steps for your parent’s mobility.
• Identify safe spots in each room. Show where to go during shaking.
• Practice with mobility aids. If your parent uses a wheelchair, practice locking wheels and covering the head and neck.
• Include caregivers. Make sure caregivers know the plan.

Regular practice builds confidence.

How do you keep the plan current?

Review the earthquake plan at least once a year. Replace expired supplies, update medications, and check that contact information is current.

Earthquake preparedness for seniors works best when plans are reviewed regularly and updated after changes in health or living situation.

What should you do if your parent lives alone?

If your parent lives alone, set up a check-in plan with neighbors or family after an earthquake. Make sure your parent knows how to contact you and that someone will check on them.

A caregiver can also help check on your parent after a quake.

What should be in a senior’s earthquake go-bag?

A go-bag should be ready to grab if your parent needs to leave home quickly after a quake. Include a several-day supply of medications, copies of prescriptions and medical records, extra glasses and hearing aid batteries, a flashlight, a phone charger or battery pack, water, snacks, a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, a whistle, and copies of ID and insurance cards.

Add items specific to your parent, such as incontinence supplies, mobility aid accessories, or comfort items for someone with dementia. Keep the bag near the bed, since many quakes happen at night, and check it every six months to replace expired items.

Make sure caregivers know where the bag is and what is inside.

Frequently asked questions

What should seniors do during an earthquake? Drop, Cover and Hold On if able; if using a wheelchair or walker, Lock, Cover and Hold On.

How much water should an elderly person store for earthquakes? At least 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days.

How can I make my parent’s home earthquake safe? Secure furniture and the water heater, move heavy objects low, and keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.

What is the MyShake app? California’s free earthquake early warning app.

Should seniors keep extra medications for emergencies? Yes. Aim for at least a 7-day supply and a written medication list.

Earthquake preparedness for seniors: key points

Earthquake preparedness for seniors includes securing heavy furniture, keeping an earthquake kit for seniors with at least a week of medications and supplies, and planning how your parent will communicate with family. Earthquake safety for elderly parents also means practicing Drop, Cover and Hold On, or Lock, Cover and Hold On for wheelchair and walker users.

Install the MyShake app for early warnings, write an earthquake plan for disabled family members that includes backup power and mobility needs, and share the plan with caregivers. Review the kit twice a year and replace expired medications and batteries. See our 24-hour home care services and what to do after a parent falls at home.