Earthquake Preparedness Trivia
Earthquake Preparedness trivia turns practical safety knowledge into a quick, approachable challenge about what to do when the ground starts shaking. Shaped by lessons from major earthquakes and decades of public safety guidance, the topic highlights essentials like emergency kits, safe sheltering, and recovery steps. It offers a family-friendly way to refresh facts that can matter in real life.
Easy Earthquake Preparedness Trivia
13 questions
These easy Earthquake Preparedness trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
What is the standard protective action taught in the United States during an earthquake?
Answer: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
In the United States, the standard earthquake safety action is "Drop, Cover, and Hold On.".
Question 2
In the phrase "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," what are you supposed to do after covering?
- A.Hold On
- B.Stand Up
- C.Run Outside
- D.Call 911
Answer: Hold On
The final step in the standard protective action is to hold on until the shaking stops.
Question 3
What is the name of the annual earthquake drill held in many countries?
Answer: The Great ShakeOut
The Great ShakeOut is a yearly earthquake drill practiced in many countries.
Question 4
Which country operates a nationwide earthquake early warning system?
- A.Canada
- B.Egypt
- C.Japan
- D.Brazil
Answer: Japan
Japan is known for operating a nationwide earthquake early warning system.
Question 5
Large subduction-zone earthquakes can generate what dangerous ocean hazard?
Answer: Tsunamis
Large subduction-zone earthquakes can displace water and generate tsunamis.
Question 6
A coastal sign that tells people they may need to move inland or uphill after a major quake marks what kind of area?
Answer: A tsunami evacuation zone
A tsunami evacuation zone identifies coastal areas where people may need to evacuate inland or uphill after a major quake.
Question 7
What is the term for water-saturated ground temporarily losing strength during earthquake shaking?
Answer: Liquefaction
Liquefaction happens when shaking causes water-saturated soil to temporarily lose strength.
Question 8
Strong earthquakes can trigger what on steep slopes?
Answer: Landslides
Earthquake shaking can destabilize steep slopes and cause landslides.
Question 9
Which public earthquake-reporting program is run by the U.S. Geological Survey?
Answer: Did You Feel It?
The U.S. Geological Survey runs the public reporting program called Did You Feel It?.
Question 10
What smartphone app is used for earthquake alerts in California?
Answer: MyShake
MyShake is a smartphone app used for earthquake alerts in California.
Question 11
In the United States, what alert system can send earthquake warnings to mobile phones?
Answer: Wireless Emergency Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts can deliver earthquake warnings to mobile phones in the United States.
Question 12
The famous San Francisco earthquake disaster happened in what year?
Answer: 1906
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake is one of the best-known earthquake disasters in U.S. history.
Question 13
Which major Alaska earthquake struck on Good Friday?
- A.1966
- B.The 1964 Alaska earthquake
- C.1960
- D.1962
Answer: The 1964 Alaska earthquake
The 1964 Alaska earthquake is the major quake that struck on Good Friday.
Earthquake Preparedness Family Trivia
12 questions
These family Earthquake Preparedness trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
After a strong coastal earthquake, where should families go right away instead of waiting for an official tsunami warning?
Answer: Higher ground
Preparedness guidance says families near the coast should move to higher ground after a strong coastal quake without waiting for an official tsunami warning.
Question 2
A home emergency kit commonly includes at least how much water per person?
Answer: At least three days of water per person
A standard earthquake kit recommendation is to keep at least three days of water for each person.
Question 3
In earthquake country, what item is smart to keep near your bed for quick foot protection?
- A.A beach towel
- B.A cookbook
- C.A bicycle helmet rack
- D.Sturdy shoes
Answer: Sturdy shoes
Preparedness guides often suggest sturdy shoes by the bed so feet are protected if debris or broken glass is on the floor.
Question 4
True or false: During earthquake shaking, windows are a spot to stay close to for a better view outside.?
Answer: False
Windows should be avoided during shaking because glass can shatter.
Question 5
Old movie myths aside, what place is not generally recommended as the safest spot during modern earthquake drills?
Answer: Doorways
Modern earthquake safety drills generally do not recommend doorways is the safest place.
Question 6
If an earthquake starts while you are already in bed, what should you use to protect your head?
Answer: A pillow
Guidance often says to stay in bed and protect your head with a pillow if the shaking begins while you are there.
Question 7
In the kitchen, what can help keep dishes from tumbling out during shaking?
Answer: Cabinet latches
Cabinet latches are recommended because they help stop dishes and other items from spilling out during an earthquake.
Question 8
What can be added to a water heater to reduce the chance of it tipping in an earthquake?
Answer: Water heater straps
Strapping a water heater is a common way to help prevent it from tipping during shaking.
Question 9
Which kind of utility connection can help reduce damage to gas appliances during shaking?
Answer: Flexible gas connections
Flexible utility connections are used because they can help reduce damage to gas appliances during an earthquake.
Question 10
Families are often told to learn how to do what only if they suspect a leak after a quake?
Answer: Shut off the gas
Preparedness advice commonly says families should know how to shut off gas, but only if they suspect a leak after an earthquake.
Question 11
Who is commonly included in a family earthquake communication plan if local lines are busy?
Answer: An out-of-area contact
Many family plans include an out-of-area contact so everyone knows one central person to check in with.
Question 12
After a major earthquake, which may go through more easily than voice calls?
- A.Video chats
- B.Printed letters
- C.Doorbells
- D.Text messages
Answer: Text messages
Text messages may work more easily than voice calls after a major earthquake.
Fun Earthquake Preparedness Trivia
13 questions
These fun Earthquake Preparedness trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
What year did California’s annual ShakeOut drill first begin?
Answer: 2008
California's annual ShakeOut drill began in 2008.
Question 2
The very first Great ShakeOut drill was organized in which part of California?
- A.Southern California
- B.Northern California
- C.Central Valley
- D.Bay Area
Answer: Southern California
The first Great ShakeOut drill was organized in Southern California.
Question 3
If you report shaking online through the 'Did You Feel It?' system, which organization runs that system?
Answer: USGS
The USGS Did You Feel It? system gathers shaking reports from the public through the internet.
Question 4
Which university developed the MyShake app?
Answer: University of California, Berkeley
MyShake was developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
Question 5
MyShake turns a phone into a mini quake helper by using what part of the device?
Answer: smartphone sensors
The MyShake app uses smartphone sensors to help detect earthquake shaking.
Question 6
Which alert program uses lots of phones together like a giant distributed detection network?
Answer: Android Earthquake Alerts System
The Android Earthquake Alerts System uses many phones is a distributed detection network.
Question 7
What is the best-known fault tied to California earthquake preparedness campaigns?
Answer: San Andreas Fault
The San Andreas Fault is the best-known fault associated with California earthquake preparedness campaigns.
Question 8
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck during which major sporting event?
Answer: The World Series
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck during the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics.
Question 9
Which city is famous for quake drills that use a public seismic alert siren?
Answer: Mexico City
Mexico City is known for quake drills that use a public seismic alert siren.
Question 10
Which Japanese city is closely associated with the 2011 tsunami disaster in preparedness discussions?
Answer: Sendai
The city of Sendai is one of the Japanese cities closely associated with the 2011 tsunami disaster.
Question 11
Preparedness posters often point people toward what kind of spots during shaking: interior spaces or window seats?
- A.window seats
- B.balconies
- C.door thresholds
- D.interior spaces
Answer: interior spaces
Preparedness posters often identify interior spaces away from windows is safer spots during shaking.
Question 12
ShakeOut season usually arrives in which month each year?
Answer: October
The annual ShakeOut drill is commonly held in October.
Question 13
At many museums, what device lets visitors watch tiny buildings wobble and sway during quake demos?
Answer: shake tables
Many museums and science centers use shake tables to demonstrate how buildings respond to earthquakes.
Funny Earthquake Preparedness Trivia
13 questions
These funny Earthquake Preparedness trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
When the ground starts doing an unwanted dance remix, why do experts say you should not sprint outside mid-shaking?
Answer: Because falling bricks and glass can be dangerous.
Preparedness guidance warns against running outside during shaking because exterior hazards like falling bricks and glass can injure people.
Question 2
If you must pick one terrible earthquake buddy, which household item is especially bad to stand next to?
- A.Unanchored bookshelf
- B.A folded bath towel
- C.A closed shoebox
- D.A sleeping bag
Answer: A tall unanchored bookshelf.
A tall unanchored bookshelf can tip or drop contents during an earthquake, making it a clear hazard.
Question 3
What watery home feature can slosh or even break during strong shaking, which is why many quake-prone homes secure it?
Answer: Aquariums.
Aquariums can move violently, slosh water, or break during strong shaking, so securing them is a common precaution.
Question 4
Which overhead item can go from breezy decor to bad idea if it is not properly braced in an earthquake?
- A.Wall paint
- B.Door mats
- C.Hanging lights
- D.Window curtains
Answer: Hanging lights.
Ceiling fans and hanging lights can become hazards during shaking if they are not properly braced; the fact anchor here is hanging lights.
Question 5
True or false: An elevator is the clever shortcut to safety during or right after an earthquake.?
Answer: False
Experts advise against using elevators during or immediately after an earthquake.
Question 6
In older homes, what fireplace-related upgrade helps reduce earthquake risk to the part sticking above the roofline?
Answer: Chimney reinforcement.
Preparedness guidance notes that older homes may need fireplace bracing and chimney reinforcement to reduce earthquake risk.
Question 7
Which kitchen feature can suddenly decide groceries belong on the floor if it is left unsecured during strong shaking?
Answer: Unlatched refrigerator doors.
Unlatched refrigerator doors can swing open during a quake and spill food.
Question 8
What item hung above a bed often appears on earthquake safety checklists under the category 'please do not bonk yourself with this'?
Answer: Mirrors.
Mirrors above beds are commonly listed is items to move or secure for earthquake safety.
Question 9
What feature on heavy furniture can make it start freelancing across the room during shaking unless it is locked or restrained?
Answer: Wheels on furniture.
Furniture on wheels can roll during shaking, so the wheels should be locked or the item restrained.
Question 10
How do museum curators in earthquake zones often keep display objects from taking an unscheduled dive?
Answer: By using wax, clips, or mounts.
Museum curators commonly use wax, clips, or mounts to keep items from toppling during earthquakes.
Question 11
If you are shopping when the earth wiggles, which place can become risky because products may fall outward from tall shelves?
Answer: Store aisles with tall shelves.
Store aisles lined with tall shelving can be hazardous during a quake because items may fall outward.
Question 12
In earthquake planning for garages, what kinds of items are often secured so they do not crash into cars during shaking?
Answer: Bicycles and tools.
Preparedness advice often includes securing bicycles and tools in garages to prevent damage and injuries during shaking.
Question 13
Earthquake checklists often suggest moving which heavy wall decoration away from couches and beds?
Answer: Picture frames.
Heavy picture frames are often moved away from couches and beds to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects.
Hard Earthquake Preparedness Trivia
14 questions
These hard Earthquake Preparedness trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
Which scientist is often credited as one of the founders of modern seismology?
Answer: John Milne
John Milne is often called one of the founders of modern seismology.
Question 2
Who co-developed the Richter magnitude scale in 1935 alongside Beno Gutenberg?
Answer: Charles Richter
Charles Richter co-developed the Richter magnitude scale in 1935.
Question 3
Name the scientist who partnered with Charles Richter to co-develop the Richter magnitude scale.?
Answer: Beno Gutenberg
Beno Gutenberg co-developed the Richter magnitude scale with Charles Richter.
Question 4
The intensity scale that bears the name 'Mercalli' was named after which scientist?
Answer: Giuseppe Mercalli
Giuseppe Mercalli gave his name to the Mercalli intensity scale.
Question 5
Which measurement describes observed shaking effects rather than the total energy released by an earthquake?
Answer: Modified Mercalli Intensity
Modified Mercalli Intensity measures observed shaking effects, not the total energy released by a quake.
Question 6
For very large earthquakes, which scientist helped develop the moment magnitude scale?
Answer: Hiroo Kanamori
Hiroo Kanamori helped develop the moment magnitude scale used for large earthquakes.
Question 7
Which seismologist is especially known for work on earthquake early warning?
Answer: Thomas Heaton
Thomas Heaton is a seismologist known for work on earthquake early warning.
Question 8
California residents often know which seismologist for public communication about earthquake preparedness?
Answer: Lucy Jones
Lucy Jones is widely known for public communication about California earthquake preparedness.
Question 9
Research on prehistoric giant earthquakes and tsunamis in Sumatra is strongly associated with which geologist?
Answer: Kerry Sieh
Kerry Sieh is known for research on prehistoric giant earthquakes and tsunamis in Sumatra.
Question 10
Which earthquake year is noted for strongly influencing seismic safety policy in California?
Answer: 1971
The 1971 San Fernando earthquake strongly influenced seismic safety policy in California.
Question 11
In which year did the Mexico City earthquake occur that caused severe damage far from the coast because soft lakebed sediments amplified shaking?
Answer: 1985
The 1985 Mexico City earthquake caused severe damage far from the coast because soft lakebed sediments amplified shaking.
Question 12
What moment magnitude is associated with the 2011 Tohoku earthquake?
Answer: 9.0
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake had a moment magnitude of 9.0.
Question 13
The 2010 Haiti earthquake registered what moment magnitude?
Answer: 7.0
The 2010 Haiti earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.0.
Question 14
What was the moment magnitude of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake?
Answer: 6.9
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake had a moment magnitude of 6.9.
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