Earthquakes Previous Page Home Page
Before an Earthquake
- Store water and food supply.
- Organize a 72-hour portable emergency kit.
- Bolt down or provide strong support for appliances.
- Consider earthquake insurance.
- Keep a good pair of shoes near your bed.
- Keep a flashlight near your bed.
During an Earthquake
- Stay calm.
- Inside: Stay inside and find protection in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows, glass, brick walls, and chimneys.
- Outside: Stand away from buildings, trees, telephone lines, and electrical lines.
- On the Road: Drive away from under-passes and over-passes. Stop in s safe area. Stay in your vehicle.
- In an Office Building: Stay next to a pillar or column, or under a heavy table or desk.
After an Earthquake
- Check for injuries and provide first aid.
- Check for fires; gas, water, sewage breaks; downed electric lines; building damage and potential problems during after shocks, such as cracks around fireplace and foundation. Turn off interrupteded utilities as necessary.
- Clean up dangerous spills.
- Wear shoes and leather gloves.
- Tune radio to an emergency station and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.
- Use the telephone only for emergencies.
- As soon as possible, notify family that you are safe.
- Do not use matches or open flames until you are sure there arer no gas leaks.
- Don't turn light switches off and on -- sparks created by the switch contacts can ignite gas fumes.
- In public buildings, follow evacuation procedures immediately and return only after the building has been declared safe by the appropriate authorities.
Tips
- Know how, where, and when to torn off electricity, gas, and water.
- Take a first aid course.
- Do not place mirrors or glass frames above beds.
- Secure shelves and furniture that could fall over.
- Plan and practice a family drill at least once a year.
- Prepare your vehicle with a 72-Hour Kit.
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