Earthquakes
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 (click here to view supplies on sale)
* 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