Preparations
Preparing for an Earthquake
It is important to develop a family earthquake plan. Have your disaster plan and disaster kit ready at all times. Items you definitely want to have in preparation for an earthquake include enough food and water for at least 3 days, money, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, flashlights with extra batteries, and a portable radio with extra batteries. If you prefer an emergency supplies checklist more specific for those living in earthquake-prone areas, click here.
Does your family know the safe spots in your home to stay during an earthquake? Your local authorities will tell you where the safe spots in your home can be found. Usually interior rooms without windows on a lower level in the center of the house may be a good place to remain during an earthquake. You may want to hold regular earthquake drills with family members. You can take cover under a sturdy table, desk, or against an inside wall. Try to cover and protect your face and head with your arms and crouch down. Drop, cover, and hold on!
Once again, it is important to go throughout your home and look at things which may need to be secured if it is heavy enough to cause harm. Items that are too fragile/expensive and can be damaged should also be placed in a secure place. Find out how to secure such items as water heaters, electronics, furniture and hanging objects. How close are heavy, unsecured objects to your bed, or other seating areas in your home? You may get assistance from a hardware or home improvement center on how to fasten and secure such items.
Remove objects which can be dangerous if they fall on people. If you are unable to do the repairs yourself, hire a professional. Bolt down and secure any appliance or other items as recommended by your local emergency preparedness office. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations. It is always recommended to identify what you have on top shelves, and if these objects can cause a severe injury, they should be removed to a lower shelf. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls. Brace high and top-heavy objects. Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that fasten shut.
Go through your home and see which items can be anchored or fasten to a wall or other sturdy object. Is your residence firmly anchored to its foundation? Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
The next step is to identify anything which needs to be repaired in your home. In earthquakes, people can die from falling objects, fires, leaky gas lines. Get defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines prepared ahead of time. Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water. You may want to call your utility company to relight your pilot lights and check your electricity and water after an earthquake.
Do you know the construction of your home or building in which you work or your children go to school? Do you know if the building is built on bedrock, compacted sand, etc.? This makes a significant difference in terms of which buildings are considered safer than others.
Are you aware that communication during an earthquake might be very difficult? Keep this in mind in case your phones do not work. You will need another means of communication with family and friends. A good idea is to have a family member of friend outside of the area serve as a communication center. Have all family members know how and when to contact this individual. See if text messaging works on your cell phone. This might be an important method of communication.
Learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. Do you need to purchase earthquake insurance? If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you may want to consider earthquake insurance. If you are a renter, do you need renter's insurance? Find out what renters insurance cover- would you need a separate earthquake insurance policy?
During an Earthquake
Stay indoors and stay in a safe space until the vibrations have stopped and you are certain that moving around is safe.
Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors, away from an exterior wall, until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
Be careful about your surroundings. Are there any heavy objects which can fall and hurt someone? Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, outside doors, or anything that can fall and cause damage or injury. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering into or exiting from buildings.
As with other natural disasters, electricity may go out. Do not use elevators during an earthquake.
The earthquake might affect the water supply systems. It is important that you have your own supply of water (at least one gallon per person per day). Make sure you have enough non-perishable food as well. Although the experts state you should have enough food and water for at least 3 days, I recommend, if possible, to have enough food and water for at least one week.
If you are outside, try to move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Stay away from any area which might have falling objects.
If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Certain types of buildings, such as un-reinforced masonry, many of the older wooden and brick buildings are not resistant to earthquakes. These are weaker buildings, and you are recommended to stay away from these types. These buildings have been used in the construction of homes, offices, and schools.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage. If you are trapped under debris, do not light a match. Do not move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. I recommend that you purchase a couple of loud whistles. Keep one in a safe room in your home, and another in your vehicle. If you need to be rescued, a whistle can be vital. It is better to use than shouting for help, which can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Be really careful of gas leaks, flames, and contaminated water supply. A carbon monoxide detector installed in your home would be very helpful during an earthquake.
