Earthquake

Prepare for an Earthquake

o   Secure items that could topple or fall over during an earthquake, such as water heaters, televisions, book shelves, breakable objects on shelves, and pictures and mirrors on walls.

o   Have an out-of-state contact in your emergency plan, and plan where to meet if your family is separated.

o   Consider an earthquake insurance policy since standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage.

o   Consider retro-fitting your home, building, or other structure to make it less vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake.

During an Earthquake

o   Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect yourself during an earthquake. Drop to your hands and knees.  Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.

o   If in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

o   If inside, stay there until the shaking stops.  DO NOT run outside.

o   If in a vehicle, stop in a clear area that is away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, or utility wires.

o   If you are in a high-rise, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off. Do no use elevators.

o   If near slopes, cliffs, or mountains, be alert for falling rocks and landslides.

After an Earthquake

o   Expect aftershocks to follow the largest shock of the earthquake.

o   Check yourself for injuries and provide assistance others if you have training.

o   If in a damaged building, to outside and quickly move away from it.

o   Do not enter damaged buildings.

o   If you are trapped, cover your mouth.  Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting so that rescuers can locate you.

o   Save phone calls for emergencies.

o   Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris.

o   Do not remove heavy debris by yourself.  Wear protective clothing and thick-soled shoes during clean up.