Prepare for the next big earthquake in Hawaiʻi
The State of Hawaiʻi is a place of profound natural beauty and powerful geological activity. While we experience thousands of small, usually volcanic-related earthquakes every year, history shows that large, destructive earthquakes have severely impacted our state in the past—and will inevitably do so again in the future.
It is not if a destructive earthquake will strike Hawaiʻi, but WHEN the next one will happen. Your awareness and preparation are essential for campus safety and personal well-being.
The seismic reality in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi has a long and serious history of destructive earthquakes. The data confirms the urgency of preparedness:
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Significant historical shaking: Since 1868, more than 30 earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater have rattled the islands.
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Scale of the threat: Hawaiʻi’s large earthquakes are equivalent in size to the strong, destructive events that occur along California’s San Andreas fault (e.g., the 1906 San Francisco M-7.9, 1989 Loma Prieta M-6.9, and 1994 Northridge M-6.7 quakes).
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Statewide impact: Large earthquakes generated in the region can impact the entire state of Hawaiʻi.
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High probability: The probability of a destructive magnitude 6.5 or higher earthquake striking the Hawaiian islands is:
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50% in the next 10 years.
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97% in the next 50 years.
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Your immediate action: Drop! Cover! Hold On!
Practicing "Drop! Cover! Hold on!" is the single most important action you can take to protect yourself. During an earthquake, this muscle memory will allow you to react quickly and reduce injury.
1. If you are inside a building:
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DROP to the floor immediately.
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COVER under a sturdy table or desk. Stay clear of windows and heavy furniture that could fall.
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HOLD ON to your shelter—and move with it until the shaking stops.
2. If you are at or near the beach (Tsunami Risk):
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First, DROP, COVER, HOLD ON until the strong shaking stops.
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THEN, evacuate immediately. Quickly walk to higher ground or inland until you are at least 30 m (100 ft) above sea level, or beyond the marked tsunami hazard zone.
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Strong earthquakes in Hawaiʻi have generated deadly tsunamis. Moving to higher ground after the shaking stops could save your life. Avoid steep cliffs and watch for falling rocks during your evacuation.
Understanding the measurement
Earthquakes are described in two main ways:
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Magnitude: Measures the maximum ground motion recorded by a seismometer. It relates to the amount of seismic energy released. A M-7.0 earthquake, for example, releases about 1,000,000 times more energy than a M-3.0 quake.
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Intensity: Describes what people experience—the effects of shaking on structures and the extent of damage.
Please take a moment today to identify sturdy furniture in your classrooms, offices and residences that can serve as safe cover.
Be prepared. Stay safe.
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
- If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter.
- If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.
- Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
- Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
- No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.