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Here’s what you can do to prepare for an Earthquake
1) Prepare a home Earthquake plan:
- Choose a safe place in every room - under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
- Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children -- in case of an earthquake, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Choose an out-of-town family contact.
- Eliminate hazards, including:
- Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
- Installing strong latches on cupboards.
- Strapping the water heater to wall studs.
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- Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your earthquake training current.
- Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
- Inform baby sitters and care givers of your plan.
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2) Prepare a disaster supplies kit for home and car:
- Assemble disaster supplies including:
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries
- At least three gallons of water per person, preferably more
- Canned food and can opener
- First aid kit
- Essential medications
- Tools and instructions to shut off utilities
- Sturdy shoes and work gloves, blankets
- Sanitation supplies
- Fire extinguisher
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- Keep essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
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3) Know what to do when the shaking begins:
- DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!: Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
- If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
- If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
- If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
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4) Identify what to do after the shaking stops:
- Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
- Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
- Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking (remember, only a professional should turn it back on).
- Listen to the radio for instructions.
- Expect after shocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Inspect home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
- Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
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5) Final things to do before an earthquake:
- Pick one or more ‘safe places’ in each room of your home. Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON in each place.
- Choose an out-of-town relative or friend to be a family contact person.
- Put together disaster supplies kits and show family members where they are located.
- Teach household members how to turn off utilities.
- Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets.
- Secure water heater to wall studs with two steel straps.
- Bolt bookcases, china cabinet, and tall furniture to wall studs.
- Secure items that might fall (TV, books, computers, etc.).
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