Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan
- Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy
table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing
can fall on you.
- Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a
year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and
protect your eyes by pressing your face against your
arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the
floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases,
or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children
to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Choose an out-of-town family contact.
- Consult a professional to find out additional ways
you can protect your home, such as bolting the house
to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
- Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from
your local fire department.
- Inform babysitters
and caregivers of your plan.
Eliminate Hazards,
Including--
- Bolting
bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture
to wall studs.
- Installing
strong latches on cupboards.
- Strapping
the water heater to wall studs.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit For Home and Car,
Including--
- First aid
kit and essential medications.
- Canned food
and can opener.
- At least
three gallons of water per person.
- Protective
clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered
radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special
items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written
instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and
water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember,
you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service
back on.)
- Keeping
essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by
your bedside.
Know
What to Do When the Shaking Begins
- DROP, COVER,
AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe
place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're
sure it's safe to exit. 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 (as described
above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
Identify
What to Do After the Shaking Stops
- Check yourself
for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by
putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy
shoes, and work gloves.
- Check others
for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
- Look for
and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards.
Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking.
(Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
- Listen to
the radio for instructions.
- Expect aftershocks.
Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Inspect
your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home
is unsafe.
- Use the
telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
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