EARTHQUAKES

BEFORE:
* Fasten shelves and bookcases securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower
shelves.
* Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets
with latches.
* Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, sofas, and
anywhere people sit.
* Brace overhead light fixtures.
* Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire
risks.
* Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
* Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if you have
structural defects.
* Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets
with latches and on bottom shelves (lock to keep children safe).
* Prepare an emergency food and water supply.
* Keep other emergency supplies on hand. Include a portable radio, flashlight, extra
batteries, fire extinguisher, and a non-electric can opener.
* Know the safe places in your home: under heavy furniture, in door frames (only if
reinforced or on a load bearing wall), crouched at the base of interior walls, away
from windows, bookcases, and other objects that may fall.
* Pick safety spots outside away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
* Plan where family members will go for safety—conduct earthquake safety drills.
* Choose a family member or friend who lives outside your area to be your contact
person. Be sure every family member knows the person’s name, phone number, city
and state. After a major quake it may be easier to give and receive family
information through them.
* Teach all family members who old enough how to turn off gas, electricity and water.
* Discuss how your family will reunite after a disaster.

DURING:
* Inside: DROP to the floor. Take COVER under a desk, table or other sturdy piece of
furniture. HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If you are unable to get under a table
or desk, crouch in the nearest corner and cover your head with your arms. (Make
sure you are not in danger of falling objects.) If in bed—stay there unless there is
danger from falling objects (such as light fixtures). Protect your head with a pillow.
Use a doorway for shelter only if you know it to be a strongly supported load bearing
doorway. In office buildings stay next to a support. Do not use the elevator. Get out
only when it is safe to do so.
* Outside: Stay outside. Stand AWAY from buildings, trees, telephone poles,
streetlights and electric lines.
* In your car: Stop as quickly as time permits. Stay away from bridges, underpasses,
and overpasses that may be damaged. Stay in your car until the shaking stops.

AFTER:
* Check for safety. Check for gas, water line breaks, downed power lines; turn off
appropriate utilities; check building damage and potential safety problems during
aftershocks (such as cracks in chimney and foundation). If necessary take your
family to a safer place.
* Check for injuries. Provide first-aid.
* If you need to leave your home, take your emergency kit – turn on your portable
radio.
* Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
* Report injuries and damage to authorities.
* If trapped under debris, be careful not to stir up dust. Cover your nose and mouth
with fabric. Tap on pipes to get help. Shout only as a last resort (you may inhale
dangerous amounts of dust and debris). Do not light a match (or cigarette lighter).
* If you live in coastal areas, heed warnings of possible tsunamis—stay away from
beaches if warned.