Earthquake Preparedness

Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan

• Choose a safe place in every room—ideally under a sturdy table or desk or against a wall
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On at least twice a year—drop under a sturdy table or desk, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm
• Designate an out-of-town family contact
• Consult a professional for additional ways to protect your home
• Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which teaches volunteers essential skills for responding to various disasters effectively and safely.

Eliminate Hazards

• Bolt bookcases, China cabinets, and tall furniture to wall studs
• Install strong latches on cupboards 
• Strap the water heater to wall studs

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for Home + Car

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Canned food and can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear, bedding, and sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio and flashlight—and extra batteries 
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
• Bedside essentials such as flashlight and sturdy shoes
• Written instruction for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so 

What to Do When the Shaking Begins

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Move just a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake. 
• If you’re in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow
• If you’re outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines—and then drop to the ground
• If you’re in a car, slow down and drive to a clear area—and stay in the car until the shaking stops

What to Do After the Shaking Stops

• Check yourself for injuries—and protect yourself from further danger by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves 
• Check others for injuries—and provide first aid for serious injuries
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. 
• Listen to the radio for instructions 
• Expect aftershocks—and each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on
• Inspect your home for damage—and evacuate everyone if it’s unsafe
• Only use the telephone if you need to report life-threatening emergencies