Earthquake Safety and Preparedness

Earthquakes are caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, resulting in seismic waves. Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere, at any time, and can cause personal injury and/or property damage. Although California comes to mind when we think of earthquakes, other areas may also be at risk.

What Can I Do to Prepare for an Earthquake?

Earthquakes are not seasonal and they often occur without warning. However, the following are some general tips to help you prepare for an earthquake:

• Locate safe spots in each room of your home — for example, under a sturdy table or against an inside wall — and hold earthquake drills with your family members.
• Plan your evacuation route, designate a place for all family members to meet and decide how they will communicate if separated.
• Create a survival kit.
• Keep an updated inventory of your personal property and other important documents in a fire-proof safe.
• Natural gas lines should have an automatic seismic safety shutoff valve at the building entry point.
• Use flexible connection pipes to supply gas for propane appliances and equipment lines to help prevent leaks due to broken gas or propane lines.
• Water heaters should be strapped to wall studs to help prevent toppling and resulting gas leaks, fire or water damage.
• Secure all heavy or large objects that could fall during an earthquake.
  • Store fragile items in closed cabinets.
  • Ensure shelves and mirrors are securely fastened to walls.
  • Keep heavy objects on lower shelves or on the ground.
  • Anchor bookcases and cabinets to wall studs and use flexible straps that allow them to sway.
  • Secure electronics with nylon straps.
• Get a professional assessment of your building’s structure.

What Should I Do During an Earthquake?

Most importantly, do not panic. Only move if you need to get away from the danger of falling objects.¹

• If you are inside when an earthquake occurs, stay there.
  • Follow the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique: drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
  • Stay away from windows and glass.
  • Do not use the elevators.
  • If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
  • Once the shaking stops, evacuate the building and be aware of hazardous conditions.
• If you are outside, get away from buildings, trees and power lines and drop to the ground.
• If you are in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road. Do not stop on an overpass, under a bridge, under streetlights or near trees or power lines.
• If you become trapped under debris, do not move or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a piece of clothing and shout only as a last resort, as it may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Make noise, such as tapping on a pipe or hard object, so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available.

The Earthquake Is Over — Now What?

Proceed with caution. Expect aftershocks, which are sometimes large enough to cause more damage. If you are inside, evacuate the building and be aware of hazardous conditions.

• If you live in a coastal area, be aware of the possibility of a tsunami and stay away from the beach. Walk to higher ground or inland.
• Listen to the radio for information about the earthquake and recovery efforts.
• Contact a professional to assess your home’s stability if you see cracks and damage to the roof and foundation.
• Be careful when opening cabinets and closets, as items may fall.
• Inspect your utilities. Call the authorities if you smell gas or to report any damage to the:
  • Electrical system.
  • Sewage and water lines.
  • Gas pipelines.
• Be careful around broken glass or debris. Wear sturdy shoes to help avoid cutting your feet.

Once danger has passed, learn steps to take to help you recover.

¹ Ready.gov, http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Additional sources:
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes_what.aspx;
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/