Welcome to Earthquake Country!

Magnitude 5.8 Virginia Earthquake, 8/23/11
Scientific Details and Maps (USGS) | ShakeMap (USGS) | Did You Feel It? (USGS)

Magnitude 9.0 Japan Earthquake, 3/11/11
New: 3D animation of foreshocks, mainshock, and aftershocks through March 22 (SCEC)
Scientific Details and Maps (USGS) | Tsunami Information (NOAA) | Educational Resources (IRIS) | How to Help

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Read our special report about why firefighters, search and rescue experts, public health officials, emergency managers, and many others recommend that you "drop, cover, and hold on" to protect yourself during earthquake shaking... and why you shouldn't believe the "triangle of life" e-mail.

The Great California ShakeOut!

Join Us for the Largest Earthquake Drill in U.S. History, October 20, 2011

The Earthquake Country Alliance is the organizer of California's annual earthquake drill. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes, and to get better prepared. More than 7.9 million people participated in 2010, and currently more than are registered for 2011. Is your school, workplace, community group, city, or other organization registered? Everyone can participate, wherever you are at 10:20 a.m. on 10/20. Join us!

There are several sections of this website, available through the links at left and above:

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country is a 32-page handbook that is available online, to download, or as printed copies available for free.
Dare To Prepare is our Earthquake Readiness Campaign.
Information in Spanish version can be found at terremotos.org.
Videos and animations are available that describe earthquakes and how to be prepared.
Q & A provides answers to common questions about earthquakes and links to related online resources.
The Earthquake Country Alliance section describes the goals and composition of the Alliance.

[NOTE: EarthquakeCountry.info is being expanded to be statewide, but for now much of the earthquake information is focused on southern California. However, the preparedness information is good anywhere.]

Other Resources:

California Earthquake and Tsunami Communications and Outreach Plan

Earthquake Shaking Potential in Southern California
A map showing the relative frequency of strong earthquake shaking in southern California. This map is part of our booklet, Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country -- download or order your copy today!

10.5: A Miniseries with Major Errors - Aired Sat. 2/2 on SciFi
Facts about the miniseries featuring an impossible magnitude 10.5 earthquake in California