A Humorous Yet Practical Guide for the Clueless of Any Species.
Why You Need to Get Ready Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes seldom give warning and can be devastating. Earthquakes cause fires, explosions, and other life-threatening disasters.
What You Can Do to Get Prepared
The steps you take now will help you prepare for disaster that could strike in your community.
If you haven’t already, read our Basic Disaster Survival Guide and go through the lists. It’s too late later. Do this now.
There’s a few extra tasks to take care of if you live in an earthquake-prone area:
- Secure water heater and tall or heavy furniture to wall studs.
- Move heavy items to lower shelves.
- Install clips, latches and other locking devices on cabinet doors.
- Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances.
- Remove or isolate and secure flammable materials.
In earthquake-prone areas, it’s important to know how and where to shut off utilities:
- Location of main water valve
- Location of gas valve and location of wrench
- Location of garage door manual override
During an Earthquake
If you are indoors STAY THERE. Move away from windows, book cases, and high/overhanging shelves. Get under a sturdy table or desk and hold onto it. Be prepared to move with it and HOLD that position until the shaking stops and it is safe to relocate. If there is no desk or table to get under, brace yourself in an interior corner.
Watch for falling, flying and sliding objects, and be especially careful around windows, as they can shatter during an earthquake.
- If you are in an automobile, stop and stay in it until the shaking ends. Avoid stopping near trees and power lines or on or under overpasses or bridges.
- If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power poles, brick or block walls and other objects that could fall.
- If you are indoors, get under a table or any sturdy object. Look up to avoid stopping under anything that could fall. Choose your exit carefully. DO NOT RUN FOR THE EXIT.
- If you are in a multi-level building, get under a desk and hold on, or crouch next to an interior wall until the shaking stops. Use the stairs. DO NOT USE ANY ELEVATOR.
After an Earthquake
- Put on heavy shoes immediately to avoid injury from stepping on glass.
- Locate a light source, such as a flashlight, if necessary.
- Check for injuries and administer first aid.
- Check for fires and fire hazards.
- Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound or suspect a leak, open the windows and carefully leave the house. Turn off the main gas valve.DO NOT TURN LIGHTS ON OR OFF. DO NOT STRIKE MATCHES.
- If necessary, turn off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Be prepared for aftershocks. These can be serious!
- Listen for advisories using a battery powered radio. The primary Emergency Alert System station.
- Do not touch downed power lines or objects touching downed wires. Do not stand in water near downed lines.
- Remove fallen debris that may cause personal injury.
- Assess house, roof, and chimney for damages.
- Do not use the phone except in emergencies. Only call 911 for life threatening emergencies. You might be able to use a plug-in analog phone when the power is out, but phone lines are still working.
- For general and updated disaster information, call 211.
- Open closets and cupboards carefully because items may have fallen or become rearranged.
- Cooperate with public safety officials.
- Be prepared to evacuate when/if necessary.
- DO NOT GO SIGHTSEEING! (But check on our neighbors.)
Practice Your Plan
Practice helps people feel less disoriented and better organized in case of a disaster – even in the middle of the night.
Check out all of our Guides:
Basic Disaster Survival Guide (includes lists)
Bio and Chemical Hazard Survival Guide
Evacuate or Shelter-in-Place Guide
Hurricane and Tornado Survival Guide
Nuclear Disaster Survival Guide
