Earthquakes Risk in California — Level 5 of 5

Q: What should I do during an earthquake?

The recommended action is to drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows and tall furniture. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe spot and stay inside until the shaking ends, and practice these steps beforehand so your family knows what to do automatically.

California is one of the most earthquake-prone states in the nation, with active faults running through densely populated areas. The state's earthquake risk is rated level 5 of 5, meaning every homeowner should take preparedness seriously. While shaking cannot be predicted, understanding your risk and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce damage and injury.

Earthquake Hazards in California

California sits at the boundary of two of the Earth’s major tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The grinding motion between these plates creates numerous faults, including the famous San Andreas Fault, which runs more than 800 miles through the state. Other major fault systems, such as the Hayward Fault in the Bay Area and the San Jacinto Fault in Southern California, pose serious risks to nearby communities. Because earthquakes can strike any time of day or night, there is no “season” for earthquakes in California—unlike hurricanes or wildfires, they can happen without warning.

The entire state is exposed to some level of seismic shaking, but the highest hazard zones are along the major fault lines. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maps show that areas near the San Andreas system, the East Bay, and the Los Angeles Basin have the highest probabilities of strong ground motion. Additionally, certain soil types can amplify shaking. Coastal areas with loose, sandy soil are especially prone to liquefaction, where the ground temporarily behaves like a liquid. In mountainous regions, earthquake-triggered landslides are a concern. Even homes far from the immediate fault trace can experience significant damage from shaking, so it is important to know your local soil conditions and building standards.

How It Affects Homes

Earthquakes can cause a wide range of damage to California homes. The most obvious is structural cracking of foundations, walls, and chimneys. In older homes, particularly those built before 1980, the lack of proper anchoring between the house and its foundation can cause the entire structure to slide or collapse. Even modern homes can suffer broken windows, damaged drywall, and shifted doorframes. Beyond the shaking itself, earthquakes often trigger secondary hazards such as gas leaks and fires, which can be more destructive than the quake itself.

Insuring your home against earthquake damage is a separate decision from standard homeowners insurance. Most standard policies in California do not cover earthquake loss. To protect your home, you must purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy, often through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or a private insurer. These policies come with a deductible, usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, and can be expensive. However, for many homeowners, especially those in high-risk zones, earthquake insurance can be a financial lifeline. Renting? Renters insurance does not cover earthquake damage to personal belongings unless a separate endorsement is added, so consider that as well.

How to Prepare Your Home

Even without a full retrofit, there are concrete steps you can take today to make your home safer. The following list, based on guidance from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Ready.gov, focuses on practical mitigation:

Secure heavy furniture and appliances. Anchor bookcases, televisions, refrigerators, and water heaters to wall studs using straps or brackets. This prevents tipping and injury.
Install latches on cabinets. Use childproof latches to keep cabinet doors closed during shaking, preventing breakables from falling out.
Retrofit your home if it is older. If your house was built before 1980, consult a licensed contractor about bolting the home to its foundation and bracing cripple walls. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce structural damage.
Secure your water heater. A water heater that tips over can rupture gas lines and flood your home. Use metal straps attached to wall studs.
Know how to shut off gas and electricity. Keep a wrench near your gas meter and know the location of your electrical panel. Do not turn off gas unless you smell a leak, because you will need a professional to turn it back on.
Create a family emergency plan. Decide on a meeting place and practice drop, cover, and hold on exercises. Make sure everyone knows the safe spots in each room.
Build a disaster supply kit. Include at least three days of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, medications, and a battery-powered radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during an earthquake?

The recommended action is to drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows and tall furniture. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe spot and stay inside until the shaking ends, and practice these steps beforehand so your family knows what to do automatically.

Does standard homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage?

No. Standard homeowners insurance in California excludes earthquake damage. You need a separate earthquake policy, which can be purchased from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or a private insurer. These policies help cover repairs to your home, personal property, and sometimes additional living expenses if you can’t stay in your house. Check your policy for specific coverage limits and deductibles.

Should I retrofit my house for earthquakes?

If your home was built before 1980, a seismic retrofit is strongly recommended. Older homes often lack the connection between the house and its foundation, making them vulnerable to sliding off. Retrofitting involves bolting the base of the home to the concrete foundation and bracing the cripple walls. Cal OES offers grants through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program for eligible homeowners. Even if your home is newer, securing heavy items and ensuring your foundation is in good condition are always worthwhile steps.

Official Resources

Last updated: August 11, 2026. Risk levels are state-wide estimates based on public hazard data — always verify your specific address with the official sources above.