Earthquake

Individual and Family Readiness

• Create a Family Earthquake Plan
• Know the safe spot in each room, (under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls).
• Know the danger spots, (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture).
• Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations.
• Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local Red Cross or other community organization.
• Decide where your family will reunite, if separated.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after the quake to report your condition. Carry emergency contact cards with out of state contact phone numbers.
• Develop a portable/auto survival kit for work and travel

Home Preparedness

• Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
• Check chimneys, roofs, and wall foundations for stability. Note: If your home was built before 1935, make sure your house is bolted to its foundation. If your home is on a raised foundation, make sure the cripple walls have been made into shear walls. Call a licensed contractor if you have any questions.
• Secure Heavy Furnishings
• Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.
• Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves. Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.
• Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays, or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.
• Maintain emergency food, water, medicine, first aid kit, tools, and clothing.

Community Preparedness

• Suggest that local organizations (of which you are a member) undertake a specific preparedness program or acquire special training to be of assistance in the event of a damaging earthquake.
• Participate in neighborhood earthquake preparedness programs.
• Attend training for neighborhood residents in preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, damage assessment, and search and rescue.
• Develop self-help networks between families and neighborhood through a skills and resources bank, which includes a listing of tools, equipment, materials, and neighborhood members who have special skills and resources to share.
• Identify neighbors who have special needs or will require special assistance.
• Have neighbors agree to hang a white flag (bed sheet) out after the quake if everyone and everything is OK.