When originally broadcast, the scene of Fred attempting to hitchhike was accompanied by Bessie Smith's 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out". On the DVD release and in most syndicated airings, the scene is accompanied by the Sanford and Son theme.
This episode features many exterior scenes shot in Las Vegas, including marquees for Wayne Newton at the Sands and Steve and Eydie at Caesar's Palace. Marquees are also seen announcing Bobby Vinton, Joan Rivers, Myron Cohen, Foster Brooks, Bobby Rydell, the Four Tops and the Lettermen.
Among the foods and stuff that fall out of one of the kitchen cabinets during the first earthquake is a box of Ritz crackers.
As the bus Fred was on pulled into the depot, a Terrible Herbst is shown in the background. This is a gas station and car wash chain almost exclusive to Las Vegas and other parts of Southern Nevada. The owners also owned a few local casinos in Vegas, and would eventually branch out and purchase a few of the hotel casinos in the area as well.
The episode's title takes its inspiration from the 1974 motion picture "Earthquake".