Earthquake prep checklist
Updated August 2026
Earthquake prep is 90% anchoring plus one habit: strap the water heater to the wall studs, bolt tall furniture and the refrigerator so they cannot topple, fit flexible gas connectors, and know exactly how to shut off the gas and water by hand. On a pre-1980 house, budget $3,000–7,000 for a foundation-bolting and cripple-wall retrofit. A secured water heater is the single highest-value step, because a tank that walks off its gas line is a leading cause of post-quake fires. Fold these fixes into your broader home maintenance checklist.
| Task | Interval | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Strap the water heater to studs, upper and lower third | One-time | $20–50 DIY / $150–300 pro |
| Bolt bookcases, dressers, and the fridge to the wall | One-time | $10–30 per item · DIY |
| Fit flexible, rated gas and water connectors | One-time | $25–75 each · DIY/pro |
| Task | Interval | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Locate the gas meter shutoff; zip-tie a wrench to it | One-time | 10 min · DIY |
| Locate and label the main water shutoff | One-time | 10 min · DIY |
| Task | Interval | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Re-check straps, anchors, and cabinet latches for slack | Every 6 months | 20 min · DIY |
| Refresh water and supplies (1 gallon per person per day) | Every 6 months | 30 min · DIY |
| Task | Interval | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Have foundation bolting and the cripple wall assessed | One-time | $3,000–7,000 pro |
What neglect costs
The numbers make the case. An unstrapped 40- to 50-gallon water heater weighs hundreds of pounds full and slides in a strong quake, tearing the gas line behind it, and gas-fed fires cause a large share of post-earthquake losses. Anchoring it costs $20–50 in parts. Unsecured furniture and water heaters are also a top source of injury indoors. A cripple-wall retrofit on an older house runs $3,000–7,000 but can be the difference between a repairable home and a total loss worth hundreds of thousands.
Leave these to a pro
You can strap a water heater and bolt furniture yourself with a drill and a $20–50 kit. Leave the structural work to a licensed contractor: foundation bolting, cripple-wall bracing, and a soft-story retrofit run $3,000–7,000 for a typical house and may qualify for a state incentive. A plumber or gas fitter should install or verify a seismic gas shutoff valve ($300–700) if you want the gas to cut automatically. Never try to move or reconnect a gas line yourself after a quake.
This whole checklist ships as reminders in OnOtto: every task above, on the right schedule for your home, snooze-proof.
Load this checklist as remindersFrequently asked questions
How do I strap a water heater for earthquakes?
Use two heavy-gauge metal straps, one in the top third and one in the bottom third of the tank, screwed into wall studs with proper lag screws, not just drywall. Prefabricated bracing kits cost $20–50 and meet most code requirements. Leave a small gap so the strap holds the tank snugly against the wall. While you are there, replace a rigid gas connector with a flexible corrugated one so it can flex instead of shearing off.
Should I install an automatic gas shutoff valve?
It is worth considering in high-seismic areas. A seismic gas shutoff valve senses strong shaking and closes the line automatically, which matters if no one is home or able to reach the meter. Installed by a licensed plumber, expect $300–700. It is not a substitute for knowing the manual shutoff, so keep a wrench at the meter and learn the quarter-turn that stops the gas. Only a utility or a pro should turn the gas back on.
Is my old house worth retrofitting?
Usually yes if it predates 1980, sits on a raised foundation with a cripple wall, or is a soft-story building. Bolting the frame to the foundation and bracing the cripple wall costs $3,000–7,000, a fraction of the repair bill if the house slides off in a quake. Many earthquake-prone regions offer grants that cover part of the cost. A structural engineer or qualified retrofit contractor can tell you in one visit what your specific house needs.
What supplies should I keep for after a quake?
Store at least three days of water (1 gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, a battery or hand-crank radio, and sturdy shoes and gloves by the bed for broken glass. Keep a wrench at the gas meter and a fire extinguisher on each level. Refresh the water and check the batteries twice a year when you re-inspect your anchors. Many families keep a smaller kit in each car as well.