Earthquake

Before

Check that:

• Your home water heater is braced, anchored, or strapped to prevent tipping.
• Your house is attached to its foundation with bolts through the sill.
• The walls that enclose the crawl space under your home are properly braced.
• Mobile homes are securely anchored to the ground.
• Children's play areas are located away from earthquake hazards, such as brick walls.
• Large or heavy objects are placed on lower shelves.
• You hang heavy items such as pictures or mirrors away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.
• All shelves are securely fastened to walls.
• All electrical wiring is not defective.
• Gas connections are not corroded or leaking.
• Household chemicals are stored so that containers will not easily tip over or spill.

Stock emergency supplies

• Be sure you have the following basic supplies on hand and in an accessible location.
• Flashlight and batteries (long-life alkaline batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• Portable radio and extra batteries (long-life batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• First aid kit and handbook.
• Enough drinkable water for each family member for at least three days: allow 1 gallon per person per day.
• Emergency food for at least three days: allow 3 meals per person per day.
• Required medications.
• Blankets, warm clothes, gloves and hard shoes.
• Pipe or crescent wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies.

Know the following:

• The safest place in your home. They should be away from heavy furniture and appliances.
• Where you gas, electric and water main shutoffs are. know how to turn each off. If in doubt, ask your utility company.
• Your family plan for when an earthquake occurs.
• A place where your family can reunite after the earthquake
• Who to call out of the area or state for family notification.
• Locations of your nearest fire and police stations, and local medical facility.
• Listen to your radio for emergency broadcast information.

During

If you are indoors:

• DROP down to the floor. Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it.
• Stay clear of windows and fireplaces.
• Do not rush outside. You may be injured by falling debris.
• Do not use stairs or elevators while the building is shaking.

If you are outdoors:

• Get into the open and stay there.
• Stay away from buildings and power lines.

If you are driving:

• Stop only if it is safe.
• Stay inside the car.
• Do not stop on or under a bridge, overpass or tunnel.
• Do not stop under trees, electrical power lines, light posts or signs.

After

Check for injuries:

• Help injured or trapped persons without endangering yourself.
• Give first aid where needed.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Cover injured persons with blankets to keep them warm.

Check for the following potential risks:

• Fire hazard.
• Gas leaks. Shut off the main gas valve if you suspect or identify the odor of natural gas.
• Damaged electrical wiring. Shut off power at the control box if there is any damage to your house wiring.
• Do not touch downed power lines or objects of any kind.
• Approach chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.
• Immediately clean up any spilled medicines or other potentially harmful materials without endagering yourself.
• Wear sturdy shoes and gloves to avoid injury.
• If needed wear a dusk mask or wet handkerchief to cover mouth and nose.

Check your survival supplies:

• Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass or spilled chemicals.
• If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or fozen foods.
• Use camp stoves or barbecues outdoors for emergency cooking.
• If water is off, you can use supplies from water heaters, toilet tanks (not toilet bowls).
• Do not use lighters, candles or any open-flame appliance until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
• Do not operate electrical switches or appliances if you suspect a gas leak.

Source: FEMA