In Case of Earthquake

What to do when the shaking begins-

Drop, cover and hold on.

• If indoors: Stay indoors until shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Drop under a sturdy table or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you. Stay away from windows. Consider covering your face/eyes to shield them from falling items.
• If outside: Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the round
• If in a car: Slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until shaking stops.

What to do when the shaking stops-

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid when needed. Protect yourself further by putting on long pants, long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards: turn-off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. Do not use a candle, use a flashlight.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Be aware that the water supply might be contaminated and might need to be treated so that it is safe to drink (e.g. boiling or chlorination).

Be Prepared for Emergencies

• Have an emergency preparedness kit assembled. This should include such things as: battery powered radio, cell phones, first aid kit, essential medicine, supply of food and water for all family members and pets, flashlight, money/credit cards, and important documents.
• Have available a sufficient number of fire extinguishers and know how to use them.
• Know how to turn off gas, electricity and water to house.
• Choose an out-of-town family contact for emergencies and make sure every family member has this contact information.
• Take a first aid class.
• Bolt water heaters, bookcases, cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs. Have a professional evaluate your house for its ability to withstand an earthquake (e.g. bolting the house to the foundation).

Information taken from: www.redcross.org , www.fema.gov , and www.cope.srcity.org