Earthquake

1. • Make sure shelves are fastened securely to the walls.
   • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves or on the floor. They might fall. You can also screw them onto things, such as on desks.
   • Place breakable items (bottles, glass, china, etc.) in closed cabinets that have latches. Make sure to board them up so that the cabinet doors won't fly open.
   • Heavy pictures and mirrors should be hung away from beds, couches, and anywhere that someone might sit.
   • Overhead light fixtures should be braced to prevent falling.
   • Evaluate your electrical wiring and gas connections and repair if needed. During an earthquake, these can become potential fire hazards. Additionally, turn them off and unplug them, so the outlet is not neat
     the metal part of the cord.
   • Secure your water heater by strapping it to wall studs (not just the drywall) and bolting it to the floor.
   • If you have any deep cracks in the ceiling or foundations, repair these immediately. You might need to consult an expert if there are signs of structural weakness.
   • Store flammable products in closed cabinets with latches on the bottom shelf.
2. Identify safe places both indoors and outdoors. Examples include: under sturdy furniture, against an inside wall (where the other side is not exposed to the outdoors), away from mirrors or
   windows, or in the open away from buildings and trees. If you don't
   need them anymore, you can throw them away.
3. Seek to educate yourself and those in your family about the best place to go during an earthquake and what they can do if you are incapacitated. Children
   should know how and when to call 9-1-1 and someone besides yourself
   should be able to shut off your dwelling's gas, water, and electricity.
4. Obtain disaster supplies that are in a central location
   • Flashlight with extra batteries (preferably one for each individual)
   • Portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries
   • Purchase and use "Self Powered Radios" and "Self Powered Flashlights". Batteries will be hard to find, if you can find them. Some models will charge cell phones, but the cell phone towers may be
     damaged, even destroyed.
   • Purchase and use "Glow Sticks". These are SAFER than candles, since you will be dealing with ruptured gas lines, flammable, explosive gas.
   • First aid kit and manual
   • Emergency food and water (some sources say you should have up to 2 weeks worth of extra food on hand in case rescue workers cannot reach your location)
   • Nonelectric can opener
   • Essential medicines
   • Cash and credit cards
   • Sturdy shoes for each family member
5. Create an emergency communication plan that is known by every member of the family. You should determine a central meeting place, in case you are separated before or during an earthquake. Also, ask an out-of-state family member
   or friend to serve as a central contact (and maybe you can be their
   contact too). Make sure everyone memorizes this person's phone number. Don't rely on cellular phones or radios for contact.
6. Help your community to prepare. It can be as simple as printing this article and circulating it, or more elaborate like creating community meeting places and central food
   stores.
7. Be prepared when an earthquake comes.

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