Hold on to one of the legs and cover your eyes. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit down against an interior wall. An interior wall is less likely to collapse than a wall on the outside shell of the building. Pick a safe place where things will not fall on you, away from windows, bookcases, or tall, heavy furniture. It is dangerous to run outside when an earthquake happens because bricks, roofing, and other materials may fall from buildings during and immediately following earthquakes, injuring persons near the building.
Wait in your safe place until the shaking stops, then check to see if you are hurt. You will be better able to help others if you take care of yourself first, then check the people around you. Move carefully and watch out for things that have fallen or broken, creating hazards. Be ready for additional earthquakes called "aftershocks.
Fire is the most common earthquake related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances, and previously contained fires or sparks being released. If you must leave a building after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator. Earthquakes can cause fire alarms and fire sprinklers to go off. You will not be certain whether there is a real threat of fire. As a precaution, use the stairs. If you are outside in an earthquake, stay outside.
Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within 10 feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing, and other materials can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby. Trees, streetlights, and power lines may also fall, causing damage or injury. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. Please see the " Disaster Kit " section for general supplies kit information.
Earthquake-specific supplies should include the following: A flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person's bedside; Disaster Supplies Kit ; and an Evacuation Supply Kit. How to Protect Your Property Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs. Brace or anchor high or top-heavy objects. During an earthquake, these items can fall over, causing damage or injury.
Secure items that might fall televisions, books, computers, etc. Falling items can cause damage or injury. Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. The contents of cabinets can shift during the shaking of an earthquake.
Latches will prevent cabinets from flying open and contents from falling out. Move large or heavy objects and fragile items glass or china to lower shelves.
There will be less damage and less chance of injury if these items are on lower shelves. Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches. Latches will help keep contents of cabinets inside. Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches, on bottom shelves.
Chemical products will be less likely to create hazardous situations from lower, confined locations. Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit. Earthquakes can knock things off walls, causing damage or injury. Brace overhead light fixtures. During earthquakes, overhead light fixtures are the most common items to fall, causing damage or injury. Strap the water heater to wall studs. The water heater may be your best source of drinkable water following an earthquake.
Protect it from damage and leaks. Bolt down any gas appliances. After an earthquake, broken gas lines frequently create fire hazards. Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings will be less likely to break. Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects. Earthquakes can turn cracks into ruptures and make smaller problems bigger. Check to see if your house is bolted to its foundation. Homes bolted to their foundations are less likely to be severely damaged during earthquakes. Homes that are not bolted have been known to slide off their foundations, and many have been destroyed because they are uninhabitable. Consider having your building evaluated by a professional structural design engineer.
Ask about home repair and strengthening tips for exterior features, such as porches, front and back decks, sliding glass doors, canopies, carports, and garage doors. Learn about additional ways you can protect your home.
A professional can give you advice on how to reduce potential damage. Be away from signs, trees, electrical wires, buildings and poles. It will protect you from plaster, glass, bricks and other debris. While driving in your car, simply pull over and stop. Avoid power lines, overpasses, billboards and other structures that may fall to cause harm. Until the tremors subside, stay inside your vehicle. Protect your head with your arms.
If you are in a public place like a mall, do no panic. Rushing towards the exit can cause a stampede. Most importantly, prepare yourself for aftershocks, and plan to take cover accordingly.
Carry cash: In an earthquake, ATMs and credit card systems can go offline. Hence , it is advisable to keep some spare cash handy at all times. For your family, consider buying a walkie talkie. For news and latest updates on the situation, a battery powered radio helps stay connected to the world. Learn First Aid: With communications and roads down, health systems are severely strained. Follow the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety to be prepared to survive and recover from the next damaging earthquake.
Practice the seven steps with your family. No one can predict when or where an earthquake will strike, but you and your family can be prepared before the next big one hits. The following earthquake preparation tips take a few hours to create a plan and organize supplies that will keep you safer. Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
Survive when the earth shakes by practicing and performing Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Protect your head and neck by sheltering under heavy desks or tables. Stay away from windows and bookshelves. Do not move until all the shaking has ended, or an all-clear signal is given. Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further damage.
Once the earthquake is over and it is safe to move around, check to be sure everyone is safe and not injured. Then be prepared to protect your property by examining electrical wires, appliances chimneys, and utilities for damage. Check to see that sewage lines are intact and working. With a residential earthquake policy in place, you will have the financial resources to recover.
Without earthquake insurance, you will be responsible for damages to your property and personal belongings. If you have earthquake insurance, notify your insurance professional as soon as possible to file your earthquake damage claim. Be sure to include any changes in your contact information. Take pictures of damaged property and keep detailed notes.
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