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Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens. provides crucial steps on how you can protect yourself, your family and your community during an earthquake.
Practice how to protect yourselves from earthquakes with your family members and coworkers. Familiarity with these techniques ensures swift and efficient action when needed.
Create a Family Emergency Communications Plan: Designate an out-of-state contact as the primary point of communication in case cell networks fl during an earthquake. Ensure everyone knows who this is, their contact information, and that they understand their role if separated.
Assemble Your Supply Kit: Build a kit filled with essential items like water at least 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days, non-perishable food supplies, flashlights, batteries, a first d kit, dust masks, a portable radio, and copies of important documents.
Address Medical Needs: Consider your family’s specific medical needs and prepare accordingly. This could include prescription medications, medical equipment, or infant formula if needed.
Secure Your Home: Reinforce heavy furniture like bookshelves, appliances, and mirrors to prevent them from toppling during an earthquake. Fasten shelves securely and store heavier items on lower shelves where they are less likely to fall.
Standard homeowner's insurance policies generally do not cover damage from earthquakes. Consider investing in additional insurance coverage tlored for seismic activity specific to your area.
Stay Safe During
When the ground starts shaking:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk, if possible. Use furniture or walls as support points. Avoid areas with heavy debris.
Be Prepared for Aftershocks: Earthquakes often come in waves. Stay alert for subsequent seismic activity and continue to protect yourself accordingly.
Stay Safe After
Post-earthquake safety precautions are crucial:
Aftershock Readiness: Expect aftershocks that can cause additional damage or injury. Mntn your safety stance until shaking ceases.
Evacuate if Advised: If tsunami warnings accompany earthquakes in coastal areas, move inland immediately to higher ground and stay there.
Assess Injuries and Health Risks: Check yourself for injuries and help others who may need it. Wear protective gear when cleaning up debris or assisting others.
Follow News Channels: Use reliable sources like battery-powered radios, TV networks, social media updates, or text alerts to receive emergency information and instructions.
Safety Net: Report your status via social media platforms so fris and family know you're safe. Text messages are often more reliable than phone calls under network overload during a disaster.
Disaster Cleanup Guidance: Wear protective clothing including gloves, sturdy shoes, and long-sleeved shirts when cleaning up debris. Avoid handling toxic materials like mold or chemicals without proper equipment.
Additional Resources
Educational Videos: Watch earthquake preparedness videos that demonstrate safety techniques in action.
Earthquake Safety Series: Explore a series of videos designed to prepare you for the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills.
Language Resources: Access bilingual content like Pablo y Paola Terremoto which provides earthquake safety information in Spanish.
Social Media Tools and Graphics
Print Materials: Utilize earthquake preparedness graphics that can be shared on social media or printed for community use.
Interactive Guides: Engage with communities using interactive earthquake safety guides tlored to different groups like childcare providers, schools, and the elderly.
Further Reading
Practice Drills: Join national drills like The Great ShakeOut to practice your earthquake response strategies.
Research and Agencies: Explore information from sources such as the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program for insights on seismic risk assessment.
This guide is part of an ongoing effort to educate and empower communities in disaster preparedness.
Last Updated: September 19, 2024
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