Earthquake Preparedness

Prepare Before an Earthquake

The best way to “plan” for a disaster is to do so before it happens.

Conduct practice sessions for Drop, Cover, and Hold events with family and friends.

Establish an Emergency Plan and Kit: Determine the meeting location if you experience separation. Fill an emergency order with ample food and water to last several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle.

• Having the correct tools at your disposal enables you to avoid creating unnecessary outside excursions and dealing with minor accident injuries on your own, through your home, instead of overwhelming vital treatment or a hospital.
• Understand that not everyone may have the financial means to be prepared. As a result, if you can, prioritize what to purchase and take your time as you build up supplies.

Safeguard your house. Secure large objects in your building such as bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions, ceiling light fixtures. Sports equipment and heavy fragile objects like washing machines should be kept on top shelves.

• Boost the resilience of your construction to fix any defects that may cause it to sink or be destroyed during earthquakes.
• Determine whether or not to take earthquake loss protection, as traditional homeowner’s policy frequently does not cover earthquake damage.

Actions to Take During an Earthquake

• Pull over and park the car if you are driving. Use the handbrake.
• If you are in bed, turn face down. The head and neck should be supported by a cushion.
• If you are outdoors, stand in open areas at a distance from buildings.
• If you are inside a house, stay there. Do not run outside, nor stand in the doorways.

Drop!

Wherever you are, get down on your hands and knees and grab anything stable. If you are in a wheelchair or utilize a walker with a bench, make sure the tires are locked and stay seated till the tremoring ceases.

Cover!

Cover your head and back with your arms. Crawl beneath a sturdy table or desk if one is available. If a table or other furniture is unavailable, crawl next to an inner wall A with a door on the opposite side. Do not attempt if the open front is further away. Pause over if you discover something more resistant to take cover beneath: keep a stopping position or crouch down to protect vital organs.

Hold!

If you are under some bench or table, maintain contact with one hand and prepare to move along with it if it changes. If you are seated and unable to drop to the flooring, lean forward slightly, bend over the face with your hands, and grab your neck with your hands.

Ensure Safety Post-Earthquake

Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock: Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel one.

Evacuate the structure and move as far away from the structure as possible if you are in one. Do not enter any building that appears damaged.

Send a tip alert, use a whistle instead of shouting, and shield your mouth from dust, using a cloth.

Tsunami-prone areas should move inland or to a higher elevation following the earthquake. Do not just stand near the floodwaters or cross over the debris. Because floodwaters might hide hazardous chemicals, bacteria, and other debris, it is critical to avoid them.

Check as much for damage to yourself and help others if you know first aid in each other. Learn to give first assistance before professional help arrives.

• Respect the advice of your healthcare supplier and phone emergency assistance if you become sick or wounded.

After you have taken steps to ensure your safety, stay informed by: Listening to local news updates for emergency information and instructions through a battery-operated radio or television, social media, or cell phone text alerts.

Registering on the American Red Cross “Safe and Well” website to let others know you are safe and accounted for.

Text messaging may be more reliable than phone communication.

Make sure you take care during cleanup. Wear protective gear, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes. Avoid trying to remove heavy debris alone. Use an appropriate mask when cleaning mold or other debris. Individuals with asthma, compromised immune systems, or other respiratory conditions should avoid entering buildings with visible or musty indoor water leaks or mold growth. Children should not participate in disaster cleanup.

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