Earthquake Preparedness

The following are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

BEFORE an earthquake, 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.
• 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 in each room.

• 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.
• Locate safe places outdoors.  In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
• Develop an emergency communication plan, meeting place, contact person, and make sure everyone knows the plan.
• Have the disaster supplies on hand:

            1. Flashlight and extra batteries

            2. Portable battery operated radio and extra batteries

            3. First aid kit and manual

            4. Emergency food and water

            5. Non electric can opener

            6. Essential medicines

            7. Cash and credit cards

            8. Sturdy shoes

DURING, if indoors:

• Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.
• Stay inside.
• The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If outdoors:

• Move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:

• Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.
• Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
• Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution.  Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

After, be prepared for aftershocks.

• Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down.  Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.