【Explained by a Former Firefighter】How to Prepare for a Major Earthquake at Home

Many people believe earthquakes only cause danger during the shaking itself. In reality, most injuries happen inside homes because of preventable hazards. As a former firefighter who entered countless homes after major earthquakes, I explain how to prepare your home realistically so your family can survive when the ground starts moving.

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■① Why Homes Become Dangerous During Earthquakes

Homes cause injuries because:

• Furniture and appliances tip over
• Glass shatters across living areas
• Exits become blocked by fallen objects
• Darkness leads to panic and falls

I treated far more interior injuries than structural collapse injuries.

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■② The Most Dangerous Assumption: “My House Is Strong”

People get hurt because they believe:

• Modern buildings prevent injury
• Structural safety equals personal safety
• Past earthquakes prove future safety

As a firefighter, I saw strong buildings still cause severe injuries due to unsecured interiors.

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■③ Securing Furniture and Heavy Objects

Simple actions save lives:

• Anchor bookshelves and cabinets
• Secure TVs and appliances
• Place heavy items on lower shelves

Most earthquake injuries are caused by falling objects, not collapse.

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■④ Creating Safe Spots Inside Your Home

Safe positioning matters:

• Stay away from windows and mirrors
• Avoid heavy hanging lights
• Use sturdy furniture for cover

Firefighters often find survivors exactly where safe spots were planned.

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■⑤ Preparing for Power and Utility Failure

Utilities fail immediately:

• Keep flashlights in every room
• Store shoes near beds
• Expect water and gas disruption

Many injuries occur after shaking, while moving in darkness.

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■⑥ Emergency Supplies You Actually Need at Home

Home survival basics include:

• Drinking water
• Simple first aid supplies
• Flashlights and batteries
• A battery-powered radio

As a responder, I often saw families with supplies they could not reach or use.

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■⑦ Family Actions During and After Shaking

Clear behavior reduces injuries:

• Drop, cover, and hold on
• Stay inside until shaking stops
• Check for hazards before moving

Prepared families move calmly and safely.

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■⑧ Lessons From Real Earthquake Responses

From firefighter experience:

• Prepared homes required fewer rescues
• Interior safety prevented most injuries
• Calm households avoided panic injuries

Preparation reduces reliance on emergency services.

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■Summary｜Earthquake Survival Starts at Home

Major earthquakes cannot be prevented, but most home injuries can. Interior preparation saves lives.

Conclusion:
As a former firefighter who entered homes after major earthquakes, I can say clearly that survival begins before the shaking. Homes prepared for interior hazards protect families. Earthquakes test buildings—but they punish unprepared homes.