Earthquake Disaster Preparedness
Earthquakes strike without warning and can damage buildings, roads, and utilities in seconds. A simple plan, along with a few key supplies, helps you react quickly, protect loved ones, and stay safer during and after a quake.
Before an Earthquake
- Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Fasten shelves securely and place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Breakable items should be stored in low, closed cabinets with a latch.
- Heavy wall items should be attached securely and away from beds, couches, or anywhere people might be underneath.
- Brace overhead light fixtures and top-heavy lamps.
- Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired by a qualified professional.
- Secure water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances with strapping or bolting. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic
vibration shut-off valve installed. - Keep cracks in ceiling or foundation repaired and check often for structural defects.
- Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products on bottom shelves in closed cabinets with a latch.
- Locate safest spot in each room under a sturdy table or against inside wall. No doorways.
- Hold family earthquake drills: Drop, cover and hold on.
