How to Prepare for an Earthquake
Living in California, we all know the next ‘Big One’ could strike at any moment… are you ready?
Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While very strong or intense earthquakes are rare, less powerful earthquakes can also be dangerous. The key to surviving an earthquake and reducing your risk of injury is planning, prepping, and practicing what you and your loved ones will do if or when it happens. To better prepare yourself, look at the tips we have compiled from the CDC, ready.gov, CEA, and Cal Academy of Sciences.
1. Know the signs of an earthquake.
Did you know there’s an app for that? California and Oregon have the MyShake app that can give you a 10-60 second heads up as to when an earthquake is about to strike. While this may not seem like much time, it can give you the time you may need to Drop, Cover & Hold On before the quake begins.
2. Prep your space to minimize damage.
Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
3. Learn the safe spots.
Inside a home or office:
Get under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall. Stay away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
If you’re in bed, turn face down, cover your head and neck with a pillow, or roll off the bed onto the floor in the “triangle of life” position.
In the car:
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
4. Plan and practice what to do when an earthquake strikes.
By planning and practicing what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your loved ones can learn to react correctly and automatically when the shaking begins.
Get the entire family to practice an earthquake drill, especially if you have children. Participating in an earthquake drill will help you and your loved ones understand what to do in case you are not with them during an earthquake.
Make sure you and your children also understand the school’s emergency procedures for disasters. This will help you coordinate where, when, and how to reunite with your children after an earthquake.
5. Create an emergency supply kit.
Creating an earthquake kit or supplementing a pre-made kit is an opportunity for your family to talk about what you would do when a major earthquake strikes. General guidelines recommend storing enough food, water, and gear for three days per person (72 hours) in your household.
Keep in mind this is not a go-kit. This is a stay-in-place survival kit. These are supplies for home to pack in a box, backpack or earthquake bag. Keep it where you can reach it.
Three days’ water supply for each member of your family (at least 1 gallon per person, per day)
Three days’ supply of nonperishable food, plus a can opener
First aid kits for your home and autos
Three days’ supply of food and water for your pets
Flashlights in every room with extra batteries
Power packs for phones
Prescription medications
Whistle
Swiss Army knife
Copies of your personal documents
Cash (small bills are best)