How to Prepare for an Earthquake (Before)

 

How To Protect Your Family

• Take some time to discuss evacuation with your family. Sketch a floor plan of your home; walk through each room and discuss evacuation details.
• Plan a second way to exit each room or area. If special equipment is needed, mark where it is located.
• Mark where your emergency food, water, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers are located.
• Store a type-ABC fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location.
• Mark where the utility switches or valves are located, and learn how to turn off your gas and water mains, as well as electricity.
• Indicate the location of your family’s emergency outdoor meeting place.
• Keep several flashlights in easily accessible places around the house.
• Keep a wrench or turn-off tool in waterproof wrap near the gas meter.
• Know whether you live, work or play in a tsunami hazard zone.
• Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio with the Public Alert feature to notify you of tsunamis and other hazards.
• Keep a flashlight, slippers and gloves next to beds.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Determine safe spaces away from windows in each room of your home. Choose spots where it is unlikely something will fall on you.
• Prepare a disaster kit. Stock up on canned food, a first-aid kit, 3 gallons of water per person, dust masks, goggles, battery-operated radio and flashlights.(https://www.safety.com/earthquake-safety/)
  
  

  Your disaster supplies kit

  Keep a current emergency supply kit in your home and make sure all family members know its location. Your disaster kit should include one or two portable containers, such as plastic tubs or book bags, holding the supplies your family would need to survive without outside aid for at least three days following the earthquake. Remember, basic services like electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephone may be out for days following an earthquake.
  Include emergency food and water supplies, extra cash, batteries, medication and other necessary supplies. In addition, keep an emergency backpack with copies of important documents near the door to grab and go. You can also make additional, smaller kits to keep in your car and at work.
  Your emergency supply kit should also contain the addresses, phone numbers and evacuation sites for each place where family members spend time, including schools, workplaces, etc. Have your family members  carry a copy of this list, or contact card, in their wallets, purses or backpacks.(https://www.safety.com/earthquake-safety/)
  
  
  
  

  Caring for people, pets and property in an emergency

  You may have to care for injured people or pets after an earthquake. First aid and CPR training can help with this; contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to become certified.
  After an earthquake, you and your family could be ordered to evacuate a damaged area. If you have pets, find out where you could shelter your family pets if you should have to evacuate.(https://www.safety.com/earthquake-safety/)

  Flood zones near your home, work or school

  If you work, live or go to school near a dam – know the flood-zone information and have a prepared evacuation plan. Dams can fail during major earthquakes, so be prepared for potential flooding.(https://www.safety.com/earthquake-safety/)