Have a disaster plan 

Board up windows 

Know where all the evacuation routes are 

Prepare a disaster supply kit for your home and car 

Have enough food and water for at least three days, including a first aid kit 

Have some cash handy - banks and ATMs may be temporarily closed

Make sure your car is filled with gasoline 

Stay away from low-lying and flood-prone areas

Leave mobile homes and go to a shelter 

If your home isn’t on higher ground, go to a shelter 

Check for injured or trapped people without putting yourself in danger 

Watch out for flooding, which can happen after a typhoon 

Do not attempt to drive in flooding water 

Stay away from standing water - it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines 

Don’t drink tap water until officials say it’s safe to do so

Develop a family earthquake plan. Prepare yourself and your home by completing the activities on this checklist.

Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.

Choose an out-of-area friend or relative who separated family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and condition.

 Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls.

Know the danger spots: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture. 

Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself in safe locations. 

Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local American Red Cross chapter or other community organization. 

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. 

Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. (Safety note: Do not attempt to relight a gas pilot). 

Secure water heaters and appliances that could move enough to rupture lines. 

Secure heavy furniture, hanging plants, heavy pictures or mirrors. 

Keep flammable or hazardous liquids in cabinets or on lower shelves. 

Maintain emergency food, water and other supplies, including a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit and clothing.

If indoors, stay there and take cover under a table, desk, or other sturdy furniture. 

Face away from windows and glass doors. 

A doorway without a door is an acceptable location in which to stand. 

Lie, kneel or sit near a structurally sound interior wall or corner away from windows, brick fireplaces, glass walls, etc. 

Protect your head and body from falling or flying objects. 

Remain where you are until shaking stops. Think out your plan of action first, then move. 

Know exit routes if in a commercial building. Take cover and don't move until the shaking stops. 

If outside, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines. 

Lie down or crouch low to maintain balance. 

Get to the best available shelter if there is no open area available. 

If driving, stop safely as soon as possible. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops. 

Do not stop your vehicle under overpasses or bridges. 

Stay below window level in your vehicle. 

Turn off the engine and turn on the radio. Follow emergency instructions. 

Stay in the vehicle if downed power lines have fallen across it. Do not touch metal. Wait for help. You might be able to back away from lines. 

If you have to leave your vehicle, move to an open area quickly.

Check for injuries. Render first aid. Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in immediate danger. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury, fire or other emergency. Hunt for hazards. 

Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse). 

Check utilities (water, gas, electric). If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source. 

Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse). 

Check building for cracks and damage, including roof, chimneys, and foundation. 

Check food and water supplies. 

Emergency water can be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, canned vegetables, and toilet tanks. 

Never use matches, lighters or candles inside. 

Turn on the radio and listen for emergency broadcasts/announcements, news reports, and instructions. Cooperate with public safety officials. 

Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. 

If buildings are suspect, set up your shelter area away from damage. 

Work with your neighbors for a quicker recovery. Stay calm and lend a hand to others. 

Be prepared for aftershocks. 

Plan for evacuation in case events make this necessary. Leave written messages for other family members or searchers. 

Use gloves, wear heavy shoes, and have adequate and appropriate clothing available.

Know your evacuation routes, transportation and a place to stay with family or friends outside of the evacuation zone

Set a family emergency communications plan: set up a family meeting spot and teach your family what to do when they hear a smoke alarm

Ensure everyone knows how to call 117

Teach your family about fire prevention and safety

Build an emergency preparedness kit or get one ready-made with JUDY

Ensure that all household members know at least two ways to escape from every room in your home. 

Store supplies so you can quickly grab and go in case of evacuation

Practice your home escape plan at least twice a year. 

Install the right number of smoke alarms, test them once a month and replace the batteries once a year

Store important documents and personal priceless items in a safe place, easily accessible

Form a fire resistant zone at least 30 feet from your home. Gather and clear items around the house that are potentially flammable, including: dead vegetation, leaves and debris

Store flammable or combustible materials in safety containers away from the home

Move your BBQ propane tank away from the house

Build any future repairs out of fire-resistant materials. 

Stay alert and aware for evacuation instructions from EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, your local law and fire officials;

If you see a fire approaching or if you’re trapped, call 117

Close all windows, doors and vents inside your home

Move flammable furniture, especially outdoor furniture into the centre of the home away from windows and doors

To make your house more visible in smoke, turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room

Wear N95 masks to protect your lungs from harmful particles

Stop, drop and roll if you or your family’s clothes catch on fire

Always stay with your family and pets and keep your disaster safety kit on hand

Remain calm and evacuate immediately: drive at regular speeds with windows rolled up and headlights on. 

Continue to check in with news updates for information about the fire

Return home only when authorities deem it’s safe

Have a professional examine your home to make sure it’s ready and safe

Send text messages/social media to reach out to family and friends

Proceed with caution: maintain a “fire watch” and check your home and surrounding areas for small, lingering embers

Do not drink, prepare food or wash with water until officials deem the water source safe

Photograph any damages for your personal records and contact your insurance agency.

Review your family preparedness plan. 

Establish a family communications plan. 

Assemble a disaster supply kit.

Have a family evacuation plan in place.

Listen to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or TV for updated information.

Be prepared to evacuate, and do so immediately if necessary (See Disaster Preparedness Series: Family Evacuation Plan).

Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream from the volcano.

Close all windows and doors, and bring any pets or livestock into closed shelters. 

If you are outdoors: 

Seek shelter indoors immediately. 

Avoid low-lying areas and streams. 

If caught in a rock fall, roll into a ball to protect your head.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and if necessary, along with goggles and a mask.

Continue listening to a NOAA weather radio or TV for the latest information. 

Remain inside your home until officials declare it is safe to leave. 

Inspect your home: Check for damage to walls, the roof, the foundation, the electrical system and water lines.

Notify your insurance company if your home is damaged. 

When outside, avoid volcanic ash fall. Cover your skin, nose, eyes and mouth. 

Clear roofs of ash fall. Ash can be very heavy and cause roofs to collapse. 

Avoid making phone calls except in serious emergencies.