FEMA National Risk Index hazard
Prepare your home for earthquake
Ground shaking from earthquakes.
61 US counties are rated Relatively High or Very High for earthquake by FEMA’s National Risk Index. The three things that matter most at home: 1. Strap the water heater to the wall with two straps. 2. Secure tall furniture and TVs to studs. 3. Know how to shut off gas at the meter, and only do it if you smell gas.
Before the season
- Strap the water heater (top and bottom third) and use flexible gas connectors.
- Anchor bookcases, dressers and TVs; move heavy items to low shelves.
- Ask an engineer whether a cripple-wall or foundation retrofit applies to an older house.
When a warning comes
- Drop, cover and hold on under a sturdy table.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops.
- Stay away from windows and heavy furniture.
After
- Check for gas leaks; if you smell gas, leave and call the utility from outside.
- Look for cracks in the chimney and foundation before using the fireplace.
- Expect aftershocks.
Ask your insurer
Ask whether you have earthquake coverage; it is usually a separate policy or endorsement. We explain and organize; we never predict coverage.
Ready.gov: Earthquakes Checklist: original casaq guidance
Counties with the highest earthquake scores
Top 25 by FEMA NRI risk score for this hazard. Scores and ratings are relative to other US counties, not probabilities of a loss.
| # | County | Rating | Score | Recorded events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles County, CA | Very High | 100.0 | — |
| 2 | Alameda County, CA | Very High | 100.0 | — |
| 3 | Santa Clara County, CA | Very High | 99.9 | — |
| 4 | King County, WA | Very High | 99.9 | — |
| 5 | Orange County, CA | Very High | 99.9 | — |
| 6 | San Bernardino County, CA | Very High | 99.8 | — |
| 7 | Riverside County, CA | Very High | 99.8 | — |
| 8 | San Francisco County, CA | Very High | 99.8 | — |
| 9 | Contra Costa County, CA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 10 | San Mateo County, CA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 11 | San Diego County, CA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 12 | Ventura County, CA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 13 | Salt Lake County, UT | Relatively High | 99.6 | — |
| 14 | Multnomah County, OR | Relatively High | 99.6 | — |
| 15 | Pierce County, WA | Relatively High | 99.6 | — |
| 16 | Shelby County, TN | Relatively High | 99.5 | — |
| 17 | Anchorage Municipality, AK | Relatively High | 99.5 | — |
| 18 | Sonoma County, CA | Relatively High | 99.5 | — |
| 19 | Kern County, CA | Relatively High | 99.4 | — |
| 20 | Monterey County, CA | Relatively High | 99.4 | — |
| 21 | Santa Barbara County, CA | Relatively High | 99.4 | — |
| 22 | Snohomish County, WA | Relatively High | 99.3 | — |
| 23 | San Joaquin County, CA | Relatively High | 99.3 | — |
| 24 | Santa Cruz County, CA | Relatively High | 99.3 | — |
| 25 | Fresno County, CA | Relatively High | 99.2 | — |