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Five ways to be earthquake-ready this October | PEMCO

October 7, 2025 by PEMCO Insurance

Every fall, geologists track a phenomenon called “episodic tremor and slip”—a series of deep, slow-moving quakes that ripple beneath the Pacific Northwest. While these events rarely cause damage, they’re a reminder that the region sits on a major fault line. Preparation, not panic, is the smart response.

A great first step? Join millions in the Great ShakeOut drill on October 16 (Washington and Oregon). Practicing now means reacting instinctively later. We like to call this "prevention in action." Here are five things you can do now to get earthquake ready.

1. Make sure everyone in your household knows "Drop, Cover, and Hold on."

Here's what you should do when the ground shakes:

Drop to your hands and knees.
Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, away from a window or heavy objects.
Hold on until the shaking stops.
If you're away, try to find a safe spot that meets the above criteria at work, school, or even public places like theaters or stores.

2. Build a three-day emergency kit.

Why just three days? Realistically, that's about all most of us have room to store and can grab at a moment's notice. At a minimum, it should include:

Non-perishable food and water
Blankets, warm clothing
Necessary medications
Flashlightsa nd batteries
Cash

If you're short on time, you can jumpstart your kit by buying prepacked, shelf-stable food and emergency supplies. If you have enough storage space, include an extra week's supply to use if your home is safe after a quake or storm but without utilities. Use and replace supplies every six months to keep them fresh.

3. Secure your home.

Some of these can't be done in a day, but experts recommend the following:

Ensure older homes are bolted to their foundations.
Strap water heaters, tall furniture, and heavy decor (like mirrors leaning against walls) to prevent tipping.
Store heavy items on lower shelves and avoid hanging pictures over beds.

4. Know your shut-offs.

Learn how to shut off major utilities in an emergency. Do a sweep of your home and ensure you know how to shut off your gas, water, and electricity safely. (Only shut off gas if you smell or hear a leak, as restoring services often requires a professional.)

5. Review your coverages and consider earthquake insurance.

This is an important step. Keep in mind that most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Although PEMCO does not sell earthquake insurance, we can help you find coverages through PEMCO Insurance Agency. You can reach PEMCO Agency at 1-800-MY-PEMCO (1-800-697-3626).

While not even may require or want earthquake insurance, it's worth having a conversation with an agent so you can understand the associated risks, benefits, and cost.

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