H.O.P.E.

Earthquake Safety

          There is no sure-fire way to predict when an earthquake will hit, or how large it will be when it does. But basic precautions can be taken to ensure that, whenever an earthquake does strike, you and your family will be as well-prepared for it as you can be.

Plan  

An essential part of being prepared for an earthquake is having a plan of action for after the quake. Make sure family members know earthquake safety procedures:

Safety tips:
If inside, find a stable piece of furniture to take shelter under, and hold the furniture steady through the shaking. Make sure that your neck is protected and your eyes are covered.
Focus on finding a safe spot for yourself before worrying about anyone else. Keep as far away as possible from glass, which could shatter, and from electronic equipment, which could spark. NEVER face windows. Remember that door frames aren't as safe as tables; always find the areas that offer the most cover.
If outdoors, keep away from telephone poles and wires, tall trees, and glass. Open areas outside are generally safer than confined spaces inside, but trying to bolt outside during an earthquake is not worth the risk of injury. Find the safest areas where you are.
Plan for the likely possibility that not everyone will be at home when an earthquake hits. Discuss outdoor safety. Establish a contact plan for after the disaster: where everyone should call, where they should head (towards home or another agreed-upon location), etc.
Have an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency. Interstate telephone calls will usually go through even if local wires have been downed. Family members can stay in touch through an out-of-state friend or family member.

Above all, make sure that everyone knows how to respond. It's hard to think clearly when disaster strikes—having a clear idea of what to do in advance will limit the possibility of injury.

Prepare

Once a plan of action has been established for during and directly after an earthquake, preparations need to be made for its aftermath.

Keep at least a one- to three-week supply of non-perishable food on hand, in case stores can't be reached, aren't open, or aren't stocked. Most retail stores will be in a state of chaos after an earthquake, and vital supplies may be hard to come by.
Water mains might be damaged, and your water could be cut off. Have an emergency supply of water ready. (Your water heater can contribute to this supply.)
Keep candles stocked in case of a blackout, as well as some means of generating heat: propane, firewood and matches, etc.
 Try to imagine the worst case scenario and supply yourself accordingly.

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