Earthquakes are a common occurrence, rumbling below Earth's surface thousands of times every day.

But major
earthquakes are less common. Here are some things to do to prepare for an earthquake and what to do once the
ground starts shaking.
Safety Tips

Have an earthquake readiness plan.

Consult a professional to learn how to make your home sturdier, such as bolting bookcases to wall studs,
installing strong latches on cupboards, and strapping the water heater to wall studs.

Locate a place in each room of the house that you can go to in case of an earthquake. It should be a spot
where nothing is likely to fall on you.

Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of water per person, dust
masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights.

Know how to turn off your gas and water mains.

If Shaking Begins

Drop down; take cover under a desk or table and hold on.

Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit.

Stay away from bookcases or furniture that can fall on you.

Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a
quake.

If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.

If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Earthquakes are not a frequent occurrence. However, they can be very disruptive because they
occur suddenly and tend to affect large areas. Earthquakes can be a one-time event of a few
seconds shaking or a series of events of varying duration.
Because earthquakes happen without warning, being prepared in advance is critical to minimize
damages and loss. Consider these earthquake safety tips:

Before an Earthquake

Know your risk. Research the area and find out if you live near an active fault line and
whether or not the ground around you is more susceptible to the effects of an earthquake.

Retrofit and reinforce your house. If you're in a high risk area, take steps to reinforce your
house. Bolt your house to the foundation and reinforce support beams as needed. Secure any
furniture such as bookshelves and cabinets to the walls to minimize risk of falling over during a
quake. Secure cabinet doors to help keep dishes and other contents from falling out.

Create a disaster plan to protect yourself and your family. Earthquake preparedness can help
reduce anxiety and minimize injury. Know where to take cover in your house and how to
communicate with other family members after the earthquake if you're not together. Designate a safe
place to meet outside of the house after the shaking stops.

Put together an emergency kit. Your kit should include non-perishable food, water, first aid
supplies, flashlights, camping supplies (stove, battery-powered lantern, etc.), extra batteries,

blankets and any personal items you may need (medications, toiletries, clothing). If you have pets,
make sure they also have adequate supplies. Plan for a week's worth of supplies for each person.
You'll need at least four gallons of drinking water per person for a week.

During an Earthquake

Stay away from windows and furniture that could potentially fall over. One of the biggest
hazards during an earthquake is falling debris and furniture. Avoid areas in your house where you
might be exposed to these hazards.

Take cover in a safe place in your house. Get under a sturdy table or desk to avoid being hit
by anything. If you can't take safe cover, protect your head and neck with your arms.

Do not try and go outside until after the shaking stops. If you are already indoors, you are
safer taking cover inside than attempting to leave your house during an earthquake you could be hit
by falling debris as you're trying to get out.

After an Earthquake

Be prepared for aftershocks. Earthquakes are often followed by aftershocks additional

quakes that follow the main event. These can last for days or even weeks after a major earthquake.

Check your gas lines and make sure there are no leaks. If you smell gas leaking, turn off the
gas if possible and call the gas company. Do not use an open flame in your house until you are sure
it is safe. Wait for the gas company to turn the gas back on.

Check for damaged electrical wiring. Shut off the power if you see damaged wiring in your
house.

Keep your shoes on. You may have broken glass or spilled chemicals on the floor of your
house as a result of the earthquake. Don't walk around barefoot until you're sure the floor is clean
and safe.

Document the damage. If your insurance policy covers earthquake damage, make sure you
take photos or video of the damage to use in the claim process.

 Earthquake Safety Precautions

By Melissa Mayntz

Earthquakes can be devastating disasters, but everyone who takes appropriate earthquake
safety precautions can minimize damages, injuries, and other potential quake concerns. It
can help to have valuable tips on ways to keep your family safe before, during and after a
quake.

Taking Earthquake Safety Precautions

There is no effective warning system for earthquakes, which makes preliminary precautions even
more critical. At the same time, knowing how to behave when a quake strikes and what to do after
the event is just as important to staying safe.

Before an Earthquake
There are many things families and individuals can do to prepare for an earthquake, including the
following:

Install latches on cupboard doors to prevent them from opening during a quake.

Use non-skid shelf liners for kitchen and bathroom cupboards, medicine cabinets, and
closet shelves.

Store heavy items or glassware in lower cabinets so they do not become dangerous
projectiles.

Update home insurance policies to adequately cover building costs, possession

replacement, and injury deductibles.

Secure large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners, and
other bulky items with straps, bolts, and other stabilizing methods.

Be sure both old and new buildings meet earthquake construction requirements.

Do not put heavy artwork, mirrors, or shelves over beds.

Firmly secure bookcases, artwork, mounted televisions and other objects to withstand
as much shaking as possible.

Take clear photos of valuables as a record for insurance purposes.

Prepare an earthquake emergency kit with non-perishable food, bottled water, copies
of important documents (birth certificates, prescriptions, insurance papers, etc.),
flashlights, first aid materials, blankets, spare glasses, and other essential items and store
it where it will be easily accessible in case of a quake.

Keep cell phones charged and replace emergency kit supplies as necessary to keep
them usable.

Plan alternative commuting routes in case an earthquake damages roads.

Set up a family meeting location in a safe area.

Teach all family members basic first aid, how to behave during a quake, and what to
do after a quake.

During an Earthquake
Earthquakes can last just a few seconds or as long as several minutes, and knowing how to react
during the quake can help prevent injuries:

Immediately seek a safe location such as in a doorway (if you live in an old, adobe
house that is not reinforced), beneath a table or desk, or along an interior wall away from
windows or hazardous objects.

Cover the back of your head and your eyes to minimize injury from flying debris.

Do not take elevators during an earthquake.

If cooking, turn off heating elements immediately.

If outdoors, stay in open areas away from buildings, power lines, trees, and other
potential hazards.

If driving, stop quickly but safely and stay in the vehicle. Do not stop near power lines,
bridges, overpasses, or other potentially dangerous locations.

Stay calm and brace yourself to keep your balance, sitting if possible.

After an Earthquake
Quick thinking after an earthquake hits can minimize immediate dangers. Proper earthquake safety
precautions after a tremor include the following:

Be prepared for aftershocks, which may be stronger than the initial jolt.

Tend injuries immediately and summon emergency assistance if necessary.

Check for structural damage, but do not enter a building that shows damage or has
visible cracks in the walls or foundation.

Wear shoes at all times to avoid stepping on broken glass.

Turn off gas, electricity, and water if damage is suspected or if advised to do so by

authorities.

Be cautious opening cabinets, cupboards, and closets in case items may be poised to
fall.

Keep phone lines clear for emergency use.

Be patient: It may take hours or days to restore all services depending on the severity
of the quake.

Additional Disasters to Prepare For

Earthquakes can trigger additional emergencies, and individuals should also be prepared to contend
with these related natural hazards:

Tsunamis near coastal areas

Landslides or mudslides in mountainous regions

Fires if gas lines are ruptured or power lines spark blazes

Flooding if dams break or rivers are diverted

These hazards will vary based on where the earthquake hits and how strong it is, but thorough
safety precautions will address these additional disasters if necessary.

Being Prepared Can Mean the Difference Between Life and

Death
An earthquake can be a terrifying event. By taking proper safety precautions, you can help limit that
terror through careful planning and organization. Hold occasional earthquake drills so your family
knows exactly what they should do in the event a quake strikes. This will increase the odds that
everyone survives unharmed.

Earthquake Safety Tips

How to Survive an Earthquake

A little knowledge and a few precautionary measures can enormously increase your chances of surviving an
earthquake - or any other type of hazard. The keys are education and preparing in advance. The earthquake
safety tips below will not make you an expert. However, they could make a life-saving difference if you
find yourself in an earthquake situation. Invest in your personal safety by studying below.

Before the Earthquake:

Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the "During the Earthquake" section
below. The earthquake safety tips there will prepare you for the fast action needed - most earthquakes
are over in seconds so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.

Teach all members of your family about earthquake safety. This includes: 1) the actions you should take
when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk, along interior
walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and
fireplaces.

Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights
(and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking
fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.

Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in
cabnents with latched doors. Don't hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or
sleep.

Anchor heavy appliances and furniture such as water heaters, refrigerators and bookcases.

Store flamable liquids away from potential ignition sources such as water heaters, stoves and furnaces.

Get Educated. Learn what to do during an earthquake (see below). Then you will be ready for the fast
action needed. Make sure that all members of your family have this important education.

Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas and electricity. Know how to turn them off and the
location of any needed tools.

During the Earthquake:

If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk,
a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located
near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging
objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances or fireplaces.

If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.

If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away
from buildings, powerlines and trees.

If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under
bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs. Stay in your car.

After the Earthquake:

Check for injuries, attend to injuries if needed, help ensure the safety of people around you.

Check for damage. If your building is badly damaged you should leave it until it has been inspected by a
safety professional.

If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it
safely, turn off the gas at the meter. Report the leak to the gas company and fire department. Do not use

any electrical appliances because a tiny spark could ignite the gas.

If the power is out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back
on. If you see sparks, frayed wires, or smell hot insulation turn off electricity at the main fuse box or
breaker. If you will have to step in water to turn off the electricity you should call a professional to turn it
off for you.

Before the Earthquake:

1. Be prepared to act. Know how to act so your response is automatic. Identify safe
places in your work area to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Know at least two ways to
exit
the building safely after an earthquake.
2. Stock up on emergency supplies. Keep the basics: flashlight, first-aid kit, whistle,
gloves, goggles, blankets and sturdy shoes. Coordinate supplies with your work
group
or department. Plan as if food and water may not be available for about 24 hours
and
other supplies for up to 3 days.
3. Arrange your work area for safety. Make sure that bookcases, large file cabinets
and
artwork are anchored. Store heavy objects on low shelves. Store breakable objects
in
cabinets with latches. Use normal work order process to get furniture anchored.

During an Earthquake:
4. Remain calm as the quake occurs others will respond to your actions. A cool
head
can prevent panic. If you are indoors when the shaking occurs, stay there. Move
away
from windows and unsecured tall furniture. Drop, cover and hold on under a desk, a
table or along an interior wall. Protect your head, neck and face. Stay under cover
until

the shaking stops and debris settles.

5. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from falling hazards such as
trees,
power lines, and buildings. Drop to the ground and cover your head and neck.

After an Earthquake:
6. Remain calm and reassuring. Check yourself and other for injuries. Do not move
injured people unless they are in danger. Use your training to provide first aid, use
fire
extinguishers, and clean up spills. In laboratories, safely shut down processes when
possible.
7. Expect aftershocks. After large earthquakes, tremors and aftershocks can
continue
for days.
8. Be ready to act without electricity or lights. Know how to move around your work
area and how to exit in the dark. Know how to access and use your emergency
supplies. Be aware of objects that have shifted during the quake.
9. If you must leave a building, use extreme caution. Continually assess your
surroundings and be on the lookout for falling debris and other hazards. Take your
keys,
personal items and emergency supplies with you if safe to do so. Do not re-enter
damaged buildings until an all-clear is given.
10. Use telephones only to report a life-threatening emergency. Cell and hard-line
phone systems will be jammed. Text messages take less band width and may go
through when voice calls cant be made.

Earthquake Safety Rules

Suggested safety rules during and after the earthquake are as follows:

During the earthquake:

1. Do not panic, keep calm.
2. Douse all fires.
3. If the earthquake catches you indoors, stay indoors. Take cover under a sturdy
piece of furniture. Stay away from glass, or loose hanging objects.
4. If you are outside, move away from buildings, steep slopes and utility wires.
5. If you are in a crowded place, do not rush for cover or to doorways.
6. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the
vehicle until the shaking stops.
7. If you are in a lift, get out of the lift as quickly as possible.
8. If you are in a tunnel, move out of the tunnel to the open as quickly as safety
permits.

After the earthquake:

1. Check for casualties and seek assistance if needed.
2. If you suspect a gas leak, open windows and shut off the main valve. Leave the
building and report the gas leaks. Do not light a fire or use the telephone at the
site.
3. Turn off the main valve if water supply is damaged.
4. Do not use the telephone except to report an emergency or to obtain assistance.
5. Stay out of severely damaged buildings as aftershocks may cause them to
collapse. Report any building damage to the authorities.

6. As a precaution against tsunamis, stay away from shores, beaches and lowlying coastal areas. If you are there, move inland or to higher grounds. The
upper floors of high, multi-storey, reinforced concrete building can provide safe
refuge if there is no time to quickly move inland or to higher grounds.

What Should I Do Before, During, And After An Earthquake?

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered
radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
Learn first aid.
Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.
What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand
in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away
from windows and outside doors.
If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything
that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building
or the building could fall on you).

 Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't
mix.
If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake
stops.
Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).
What to Do After an Earthquake

Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who
needs it.
Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut
off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the
windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use
someone else's phone).
Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to
keep from cutting your feet.
Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the
ground has stopped shaking.
Stay away from damaged areas.
If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions
of the person in charge.
Expect aftershocks.

Disaster Prevention
Precautions for Earthquakes

Japan experiences unusually frequent earthquakes.

It is always important to know what to do in the case of an earthquake, in order to reduce damage and injury caused by earthquakes
to the minimum possible.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow in preparing for earthquakes and dealing with their aftermath.

1. Advance Preparations

(1) Improve your homes earthquake resilience

Evaluate your homes earthquake resilience, and improve it through steps such as fastening down furniture and putting
anti-shatter coatings on glass windows.
(2) Stockpile water and foodstuffs
You should have at least three days worth of drinking water and foodstuffs stockpiled. You should also have radios and
flashlights prepared.

(3) Participate in disaster training

Get to know the people in your community better by getting actively involved in community disaster training.

(4) Discuss disaster preparedness with your family

Verify how you will get in touch with each other and where the relief shelters are.
2. What To Do After an Earthquake

(1) The first two minutes after an earthquake

Protect yourself.
Stay away from furniture that could topple over, and hide under a desk or table. Do not panic and run outside.

(2) Immediately following an earthquake

Prevent fires and secure escape routes.

Shut off gas valves and unplug electrical cords. If a fire breaks out, calmly begin to put it out. Secure escape routes by
opening doors and windows.

(3) The first three days following an earthquake

Make sure your family is safe, and watch out for aftershocks.
Stay away from houses that have started to collapse. Call out to your neighbors, and depending on the situation, head for
a shelter on foot.
Assist neighbors with firefighting, rescue, and relief.
Cooperate with your neighbors to put out fires and rescue and attend to the injured.
Fend for yourself.
Use the drinking water and food that youve stockpiled. Beware of false rumors and rely only on correct information.

(4) From the fourth day onward

Survival and Recovery

Even after four days, you should watch out for aftershocks. Stay informed. Work towards getting things back to normal.

3. What To Do During an Earthquake

(1) Stop driving.

With a firm grip on the steering wheel, gradually reduce your speed, pull over to the left side of the road, and shut off the
engine.
Until the tremors subside, calmly assess your surroundings and use your car radio to stay informed.

If you need to take shelter, leave your key in the ignition and the door unlocked. Taking your vehicle inspection papers and
other important belongings with you, head for a shelter on foot.

(2) On the Road

Dont just stand there. Use a bag or something else to protect your head from falling objects such as glass and building
signs, and seek shelter in an open area or park.
Dont get too close to cinder block walls or vending machines.
Watch out for telephone poles that are about to fall over and dangling power lines.
If there is no open space nearby, calmly assess your surroundings and move somewhere with a high degree of safety,
away from buildings.

(3) Near the Shore

If you feel tremors, immediately seek the safety of high ground. Stay away from the shore until all tsunami alerts and
warnings are lifted.

(4) On the Train

Grip the railing or hand strap tightly.

Even if the train stops between stations, do not exit the train on your own through a window or door using the emergency
door override.
Calmly follow the instructions given to you by the conductors.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
More than a million earthquakes rattle the world each year. The West
Coast is most at risk of having an earthquake, but earthquakes can happen
in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Always listen to the radio and
television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:
Have a disaster plan.
Choose a safe place in every room. Its best to get under a sturdy
piece of furniture like a table or a desk where nothing can fall on
you.
Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Drop under something
sturdy, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against
your arm.
If you live in an earthquake prone area, bolt tall furniture to the
wall and install strong latches to cupboards.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a
first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, batteryoperated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written
instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!
Stay indoors until the shaking stops.
Stay away from windows.

 If youre in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a
pillow.
If youre outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and
power lines. Then, drop to the ground.
If youre in a car, slow down and drive to a safe place. Stay in the
car until the shaking stops.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:

Check for injuries.
Inspect your home for damage.
Eliminate fire hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its leaking.
Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND
HOLD ON.

Before an Earthquake
As a homeowner or tenant:
- Check your home for earthquake hazards, and create a plan to secure items that may be vulnerable
to shaking
- Bolt down or provide other strong support for water heaters and other gas appliances, since fire
damage can result from broken gas lines and appliance connections. Use flexible connections
wherever possible.
- Place large or heavy objects on the lower shelves. Securely fasten shelves to walls. Brace or anchor
high or top-heavy objects.
- In new construction or alterations, follow building codes to minimize earthquake hazards. Sites for
construction should be selected and engineered to reduce the hazards of damage from an earthquake.
- Keep a 7-10 day supply of food and water. To maintain freshness it is important to rotate this stock

periodically.
As a parent or head of family:
- Hold occasional home earthquake drills to provide help avoid injury and panic during an earthquake.
- Create a family emergency communications plan *(500K download) and make sure everyone knows
what to do. An earthquake could occur when your family is not together. Take a few minutes with
your family to establish a plan for how and when to reunite after an earthquake.
- Teach responsible members of your family how to turn off electricity, gas, and water at the main
switch and valves. If in doubt, check with your local utilities offices for instructions. CAUTION: Never
shut off gas unless you suspect a gas leak or can smell gas. If the gas is ever shut off, all pilot
lights MUST be re-lit.
- Provide responsible members of your family basic first aid and C.P.R. training. Call Red Cross Safety
Services for information about training classes.
- Keep a flashlight and a battery-powered transistor radio in the home, ready for use at all times. Keep
fresh batteries with these items.
- Keep immunizations up-to-date for all family members.
- Conduct calm family discussions about earthquakes and other possible disasters. Avoid frightening
disaster stories, but talk frankly and rationally about the possible consequences of catastrophic
events.
- Keep a 7-10 day supply of food and water. To maintain freshness it is important to rotate this stock
periodically.