Abstract: In order to study the seismic safety of reservoir DAMS in earthquake-prone areas, from the aspects of natural tectonic earthquakes and reservoir triggered earthquakes, the relationship between earthquakes and dam safety was discussed. The seismic safety standards for dam engineering of international dam engineering community were introduced. Analysis shows that tectonic earthquakes formed by crustal movement are the main source of safety risks for dams. Reservoir earthquakes that may cause damage to dam and reservoir areas are usually has tectonic background. Most earthquakes directly induced by reservoir impoundment have the characteristics of shallow focus and low magnitudes. Reservoir triggered earthquake related to the tectonic structure of the reservoir area, although its magnitudes cannot exceed the earthquake caused the tectonic structure itself, it may still have significant destructive effects on the project and the surrounding area due to its proximity to important hydraulic structures and high intensity at the epicenter. Therefore, in-depth studies are needed. By comparing the seismic standards for dams at home and abroad, current technical system of seismic safety standard for dams in China has basically achieved equivalent alignment with the international standards. Under the premise of reasonably determining the seismic standards of the dam, through reasonable structural design and strict construction quality control, supplemented by effective emergency management, the seismic safety of the dam project can be effectively guaranteed.