With more earthquakes being reported in the news, it never hurts to refresh your memory on earthquake preparedness. There are a countless number of guides to be found online, but few that include all the steps that should be taken before, during and after an earthquake happens, all in one place.
What should you do before an earthquake?
The key to surviving the big one, lies in preparing before it happens. A few simple, but vital, steps that can be taken to help insure your safety include:
Fastening all shelves securely to the walls
Placing large or heavy objects as close to the floor as possible
Placing breakable items, such as dishes, in low level cabinets that can be securely latched
Moving heavy hanging items, such as pictures or large mirrors, away from beds or areas where people sit
Bracing light fixtures
Repairing any defective wiring and leaky gas lines, as they may pose a fire hazard
Reinforcing your water heater by bolting it securely to the floor and strapping it to the wall
Repair cracks in ceilings, walls and housing foundation
Storing chemicals and other flammable liquids on bottom shelves with closed cabinet doors
Identifying safe places, both indoors and out (sturdy furniture, inside walls, away from glass and heavy objects that could fall, open areas outside away from trees, buildings and power lines)
Teaching your children how and when they should call 911
Teaching the entire family which radio stations to tune into for emergency information
Teaching family members how and when to shut off the gas, water and electricity
Building an emergency supply kit for both the car and the home
Creating an emergency contact plan in case the family isn’t together when an earthquake hits
Practicing earthquake drills at home on a routine basis
How do I create an emergency contact plan?
Designate an area where all family members should meet once it is safe
Establish an out of area contact that everyone can check in with
Be sure everyone knows this contacts name, address and phone number
What should I include in my emergency supply kit?
Flashlight with extra batteries
Portable radio with extra batteries
First aid kit (including a first aid manual)
Needed medications (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)
Emergency cash and credit cards
Sturdy walking shoes for each family member
Water (Minimum of a 3 day supply consisting of at least 1 gallon per person per day)
Bleach (to sanitize water if needed)
Food (Minimum of a 3 day supply)
Manual can opener
Good food items to include in your emergency kit include canned meats, vegetables, fruits and soups. These are all safe to eat unheated. Canned juice and shelf stable milk are also good ideas. Toss in some sugar, salt, and pepper packets as well. High protein, high energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, trail mix, granola bars and protein bars are also great. Avoid foods that contain excessive amounts of salt since this will increase thirst and needed water intake. A few comfort items to help alleviate stress are also good ideas. Items such as hard candy and suckers, dry cereal, cookies and instant coffee will suffice. Also pack some multivitamins to help supplement nutrition you may not get in those first few days. Don’t forget your pets! Pack a three day supply of water and food for each of them as well. These emergency supply kits should be restocked every twelve months to ensure everything is fresh.
What should I do during an earthquake?
If you happen to be indoors when an earthquake occurs, remember the DROP, COVER and HOLD rule. Drop to the ground, cover yourself and hold on until the shaking stops. If there is no furniture nearby to take shelter under, protect your head and face with your arms and crouch down into the corner of any inside wall of the building.
If an earthquake strikes at night, when you are already in bed, protect your head with pillows and stay put. The only instance in which you should move is if you are directly near a heavy object that could fall. If this is the case, move quickly to a safe place nearby.
Never use a doorway for protection, unless you are absolutely certain it is able to handle the strain of structural movement. The doorways of most newer homes are actually no stronger than any other part of the house. Additionally, a wildly swinging door poses the risk of causing serious injury.
DO NOT go outside, until the shaking has stopped. Many earthquake related injuries occur while people are trying to flee their homes. Avoid all elevators as well, you don’t want to get trapped inside if the power goes out.
If you are already outside when an earthquake occurs, avoid running inside. Stay where you are but move away from trees, buildings and power lines. An open area is the safest place to be outside, during an earthquake.
If you are traveling in your vehicle as an earthquake begins, stop as quickly but as safely as possible. Avoid parking directly next to buildings, trees, overpasses and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking has stopped, then carefully proceed while taking care to avoid damaged bridges and roadways as well as debris in the road.
What should I do after an earthquake?
First and foremost, if you are trapped under debris, do not move around and stir up additional dust. Do not light a match or lighter either, in case there is a gas leak. Do not shout out for help unless it is absolutely necessary. Shouting forces the inhalation of dust and other debris and can be deadly. To assist rescuers in locating you, tap on nearby pipes and walls to get their attention.
Aftershocks can be expected for days and weeks after a quake. They are typically not as strong, but can still cause major damage to already compromised structures. Be prepared to take cover when these occur.
Use the radio from your emergency supply kit to listen for emergency information an instructions. Often, these announcements will let listeners know about designates safe areas.
Limit your use of the telephone to emergency calls only. Immediately after a disaster occurs, phone lines can become overwhelmed, preventing emergencies from being reported. You may feel the need to call and check on family, but wait.
Avoid damaged areas unless you have been informed my authorities that it is safe. This is the time when family members should begin following the emergency plan so you can reunite.
If you smell gas or other chemicals, leave the area you are in immediately and report it to authorities if possible. If the chemical smell is coming from spilled cleaning supplies, it is okay to go ahead and clean those up as long as there is no other immediate danger present.
Inspect your gas, water and electric lines for damage. If needed, shut these utilities off immediately, to prevent injury from explosions or fire.
Leash or contain your pets at this time. Even the calmest of furry friends can be scared and aggressive right after a quake.
If there are injured people nearby, administer first aid as you can. Assist trapped individuals as well, unless it is not safe to do so. Seriously injured individuals should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger, to prevent further injury. Call 911 as soon as the person is in a safe place.
If you have a camera handy, you can also use this time to begin taking pictures for insurance claims in the near future. This is not vital to survival of course, but if you have the camera and there is no danger than you should get started on documenting the damage as soon as possible.
If you reside in a coastal area, be prepared for possible tsunamis. Avoid the beach of warnings are issued and get as far inland as possible.
It does seem like quite a bit of information to take in, all at once, but these steps are all practical and easy to remember and carry out. Most importantly, they can mean the difference in life and death in the event of an earthquake.