Quakprep. May 2026

But seismologists disagree. The Cascadia Subduction Zone (a 700-mile fault off the Pacific Northwest) has a 37% chance of producing a magnitude 8.0+ event in the next 50 years. In California, the probability of a magnitude 6.7 or higher earthquake in the next 30 years exceeds 99%.

An earthquake is inevitable. A disaster is not. The difference between a geological event and a humanitarian catastrophe is the degree of preparation. quakprep.

Stop waiting for the shake. Start quakprep today. Editor’s Note: This article is part of our ongoing “Resilient Living” series. For personalized checklists and seismic risk maps, consult the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program and your local government’s emergency management office. But seismologists disagree

Far more than a buzzword or a hashtag, quakprep (short for Earthquake Preparedness) represents a holistic, actionable philosophy of survival. It is the bridge between fear and confidence. For the 143 million Americans living in seismic hazard zones—from the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire to the lesser-known New Madrid Seismic Zone—quakprep isn't a hobby. It is a civic duty. An earthquake is inevitable

Tsunami risk after shaking. If you feel violent shaking for 20+ seconds and you are near the coast, do not wait for a warning. Walk to high ground immediately (100 feet elevation or 2 miles inland).