Earthquake Safety: What to Do Before, During & After a Quake (Philippines Guide)

The Philippines sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates grind together. That geography gives the country its dramatic landscapes and rich soil — but it also means earthquakes are a fact of life. On an average day, PHIVOLCS records dozens of small tremors, and every few years a major quake reminds everyone why preparation matters.

The good news: most earthquake injuries are preventable. They come from falling objects, broken glass, and panic — not from buildings collapsing. Knowing exactly what to do in the first few seconds, and having a simple plan in place beforehand, dramatically improves your odds. Here is a practical, Philippines-specific guide.

Before an earthquake: prepare now

Preparation is the part you control completely, and it takes an afternoon. Start with the things most likely to hurt you: tall shelves, cabinets, mirrors, and water heaters. Anchor or strap heavy furniture to walls, and keep beds and seating away from windows and from anything that can topple.

Build a 72-hour go-bag

After a major quake, water and power can be out for days and roads may be impassable. Pack a bag each family member can grab in seconds:

• Drinking water (at least 3 liters per person) and non-perishable food
• Flashlight, spare batteries, and a power bank
• First-aid kit and any maintenance medications
• Whistle (to signal if trapped), dust mask, and work gloves
• Copies of IDs, some cash in small bills, and an emergency contact list
• Sturdy shoes kept beside the bed — broken glass is the most common injury

Make a family plan

Agree on a meeting point outside the home and a second one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot get back. Pick one out-of-town relative as a contact everyone checks in with, since local lines often jam while long-distance texts still go through. Teach children how to call for help and how to do Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

During an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

This is the single most important thing to remember. The moment the ground shakes:

1. DROP to your hands and knees before the quake knocks you down.
2. COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If none is nearby, crouch against an interior wall away from windows.
3. HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops, moving with it if it shifts.

If you are…

• In bed: stay there, turn face-down, and cover your head with a pillow.
• In a high-rise: Drop, Cover, Hold On where you are. Do not use elevators. Expect sprinklers or alarms to activate.
• Outdoors: move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees, then drop low.
• Driving: pull over away from overpasses, bridges, and posts; stop and stay inside with your seatbelt on.
• Near the coast: after strong shaking, do not wait for an official warning — move to higher ground in case of a tsunami.

After an earthquake: stay safe and informed

When the shaking stops, the situation is still evolving. Take a breath and work through the basics calmly.

• Check yourself and others for injuries and give first aid. Do not move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger.
• Smell for gas. If you suspect a leak, shut off the supply, open windows, and leave — do not flip switches or light anything.
• Expect aftershocks. They can be strong enough to bring down already-weakened structures. Drop, Cover, and Hold On again each time.
• Inspect before re-entering. If your building has large cracks, leaning walls, or a tilted frame, stay out and have it checked.
• Use text, not calls. Keep phone lines free for emergencies and conserve your battery.

Know your risk: faults and "The Big One"

Roughly a quarter of Filipinos live near an active fault. Metro Manila in particular straddles the West Valley Fault, which scientists warn could produce a magnitude-7.2 earthquake — the scenario often called "The Big One." Knowing whether your home, school, or office sits near a fault line helps you prepare realistically, from how you secure furniture to which evacuation route makes sense.

You can explore recent earthquakes and mapped fault lines across the country on our live map, and check how close the nearest fault is to any location.