As popular vacation spots like California, Japan, and Mexico face earthquake threats, staying safe is crucial. On March 28, a severe 7.7-magnitude quake in Myanmar tragically killed over 3,500 people and caused panic as buildings in nearby Bangkok swayed dangerously. With seasonal travelers increasingly visiting quake zones, experts recommend preparation strategies to keep safe.

Do your homework before traveling! Research the earthquake history of your destination and determine local emergency agencies that offer guidance during disasters. Check if a robust earthquake early-warning system is in place — these systems can send alerts seconds before shaking starts, potentially saving lives. In fact, during a recent major quake in Taiwan, quick alerts helped nurses in a maternity ward protect newborns during the tremor.

To stay informed on the go, download relevant earthquake apps like SASSLA for Mexico, or MyShake for the U.S., which provide timely alerts directly to your phone. Don’t forget to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler program and share your travel plans with friends or family. Communication can easily be disrupted during earthquakes, so having a backup plan is critical to your safety!