What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying
potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the
dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing
deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead
lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building
standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
Check for Hazards in the Home
Fasten shelves 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, couches,
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 there are signs of structural defects.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed
cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall.
Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures,
or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines,
overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Educate Yourself and Family Members
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To
Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department
and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity,
and water.
Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Emergency food and water.
Nonelectric can opener.
Essential medicines.
Cash and credit cards.
Sturdy shoes.
Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake
(a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children
are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone
number of the contact person.
Help Your Community Get Ready
Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information
on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers
of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials
to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what
to do during an earthquake.
Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies
about shutting off utilities.
Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building
codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family
emergency plans.