Earthquakes are sudden, rapid shaking in the earth’s crust caused by tectonic plate movement and other seismic activity. Earthquakes can cause property damage, injuries and even death. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that a large earthquake in a major U.S. metro area could cause as much as $200 billion in damage. An earthquake can be followed by aftershocks, tsunamis, landslides and other events that can cause further damage. Because earthquakes can occur without warning, it’s important for people to know how to react if an earthquake impacts their area. Learners who successfully complete this course should be able to recognize characteristics of earthquakes and identify steps to take before, during and after an earthquake. This course is presented in both English and Spanish.