BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
#1: Secure Items that can Fall (bookcases, TVs, etc). 55% of injuries from the 1994 Northridge earthquake were attributed to falling objects according to a study by UCLA.
#2: Make a Plan. What will you do during an earthquake? How will you check on your loved ones? Talk to your household about your earthquake plan. A good start to a plan is sharing this article with people you care about.
#3: Gather and Organize Supplies. What do you and your household need to survive for at least 3 days, with no assistance from government or access to stores? A basic kit should include: flashlights and extra batteries, food and water, warm clothing, a radio with power supply, toiletries, medicine, boo-boo kit, and trauma kit.
#4: Copies of Financial Documents and Personal Identification. Do you have copies of home insurance, healthcare documents, and basic address and vehicle information? This could help you lessen the burden of seeking assistance during a crisis.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
#5: Drop, Cover and Hold. If you feel an earthquake or get an alert, Drop to your hands and knees, Cover your head and neck, and seek a sturdy table or desk to crawl under, and Hold On until the shaking stops.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
#6: Assess and Take Action. Immediately after the shaking stops, you must determine if there are other hazards. Is a tsunami possible? Is the home or building you are in unsafe and should relocate outside? Do you need medical attention?
#7: Activate Your Plan. What information is available from authorities? Can you connect with your loved ones? What steps do you need to take to restore daily life?
TAKE ACTION TODAY
The 7 steps above are recommendations that anyone can use to begin preparing, today!