•Identify hazards and do what you can to minimize the danger.

•Fasten shelves, bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture securely to the walls.

•Place large heavy objects and glass pieces on lower shelves.

•Install strong latches on cupboards.

•Hang heavy items such as framed pictures and mirrors away from beds and couches. Secure all light fixtures, especially those hanging above beds.

•Store pesticides, paints, cleaning products, and other flammable items in closed cabinets.

•Make sure to secure water heaters and other large appliances that could move enough to damage utility lines.

•Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.

•Pick out a safe place in every room of your house.

•The best spots:

•Under a desk or sturdy table.

•Against a wall where nothing can fall on you. Hallways are often uncluttered and hence good places to go.

•Away from any large furniture that might tip over.

•Away from windows, framed pictures, and mirrors.

•Contact your local Red Cross chapter to learn the locations of nearby disaster shelters.

•Designate an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as your household contact, and make sure everyone has this person's phone number. After an earthquake, local lines will be jammed. If you're separated from your family, use this contact to plan how you will get back together.

•Find out which radio station you should listen to for the best emergency information.

•Make sure everyone in your home knows how to shut off the gas, electricity, and water, in case local authorities advise doing so, and keep the appropriate tools and written instructions near these valves.

•Make sure you have a functioning fire extinguisher in your home, and learn how to use it.

•Assemble an earthquake preparedness kit (see below).

Essentials

•Plenty of bottled water (three gallons or more).

•Nonperishable food (energy bars, canned meats, canned vegetables).

•Nonelectric can opener.

•Fire extinguisher (small canister ABC-type).

•Basic first-aid kit (ibuprofen or acetaminophen, adhesive bandages, flexible bandages for wrapping joints, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, prescription drugs, sterile gauze pads).

•Battery-operated radio with extra batteries.

•Flashlight with extra batteries and chemical light sticks.

•Waterproof matches and 100-hour candle.

•Sturdy shoes.

•Gloves (to protect yourself from broken glass).

•Dust masks.

•Map of the area (to locate shelters).

•Garbage bags.

•Toilet paper.

•Antibacterial, "no-water-needed" liquid soap.

•Identification.

•Copies of important family documents.

•Cell phone.

•List of important phone numbers: electric, gas, and water companies, fire department, Red Cross, family members, friends and neighbors.

•Money

Extras

•Backup pair of eyeglasses

•Contact lens supplies

•Book

•Playing cards

•If you're indoors, stay indoors and move as little as possible. Trying to leave a building during an earthquake is the most dangerous thing you can do, because objects are likely to be falling all around you. Find the safest spot in the room, and stay there until the shaking stops. If you're in bed at the time, stay there, hold on, and protect your head with a pillow. The last thing you want to do during an earthquake is navigate a dark house.

•If you're outdoors, find a clear spot (away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines), and drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

•If you're driving, stop immediately and stay in the car if you seem to be in a safe place as described above. If you see hazards, drive slowly to a clear area, then remain in the car until the quake quits.

•Don't assume the shaking has ceased for good. Be ready for aftershocks, which can be strong enough to topple more objects and may even bring down weakened structures.

•Check yourself and others for injuries. Help anyone who's injured or trapped, and aid those around you who need special assistance, like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

•Put on gloves, a dust mask, and any available clothing that could protect you from broken glass and other debris.

•Clean up any flammable liquids that spilled. If you smell gas or chemical fumes, leave the area immediately.

•Listen to a radio for the latest emergency information.

•Make local calls only to report life-threatening emergencies.

-- Benj Vardigan is a senior editor for Consumer Health Interactive and the winner of an Outstanding Young Journalist award from the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Further Resources

U.S. Geological Survey

http://www.usgs.gov/index.html

References

First published May 28, 1999
Last updated February 14, 2008
Copyright © 1999 Consumer Health Interactive

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