05/23/2026
🚨 EARTHQUAKE CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS 🚨
Following last night’s 6.0 earthquake here on Hawaiʻi Island, now is a good time to do a careful walk-around inspection of your home and property. Even moderate shaking can reveal hidden issues or worsen existing defects.
Here are a few things homeowners should inspect after an earthquake:
🏠 Foundation & Structural Areas
• New cracks in concrete foundations
• Posts/piers shifted out of place
• Sagging floors or separated framing connections
• Cracks around door/window corners
🚪 Doors & Windows
• Doors suddenly sticking or not latching
• Windows difficult to open/close
• New gaps around frames or trim separation
🔌 Electrical System
• Flickering lights or tripped breakers
• Loose outlets or damaged fixtures
• Main panel movement or unusual buzzing
💧 Plumbing & Water Systems
• Water leaks under sinks or around toilets
• Cracked water heater piping or straps
• Catchment tank shifting or plumbing stress
• Wet spots around supply lines
🏡 Exterior & Roofing
• Loose roofing materials or flashing
• Cracked stucco/siding
• Fallen rock walls or retaining wall movement
• Driveway, walkway, or deck settlement
🔥 Gas & Safety
• If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact the utility company
• If you feel comfortable, check gas connections with soapy water for leaks
• Check smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are still functioning properly
⚠️ Keep in mind:
Some earthquake-related damage can be subtle and may not show up until days or weeks later.
If something doesn’t seem right, it’s worth having it evaluated before a small issue becomes a larger repair.