Earthquake Safety Tips for the Home

An earthquake can happen with very little warning. One minute you may be enjoying your morning coffee and the next minute the floor begins to shake and you can hear the dishes rattling on the shelves. You cannot stop extreme weather, but you can educate yourself for it and be prepared. Knowing how to react during an earthquake and being able to keep your family safe are important aspects of home ownership.

Before

• There are many things that you can do to prepare your home in case of an earthquake. These strategies are particularly important if you live in an area that has a higher risk of earthquakes, like along fault lines. In order for your family to be prepared for the event of an earthquake, review the proper safety procedures regularly and make sure young children understand. Keep a stock of safety supplies on hand, in case you become trapped in the home due to fallen structures or other emergencies. Stock up on non-perishable food and bottled water. You should also have a battery-operated radio and extra batteries. This will allow you to listen to any news or emergency broadcasts if the electricity goes out. Have a first aid kit, blankets, and tools available as well. You can arrange your belongings in a way that will keep you out of harm's way during an earthquake. Don't place heavy items on top of tall shelves or mounted to walls. Keep breakable items in cabinets that can be locked. Make sure tall furniture like bookshelves are securely anchored to the walls. These could topple easily, causing danger during an earthquake. Designate a particular fireproof, locked cabinet to hold all flammable and combustible products like spray paints, gasoline, and other products. Never keep them near a heat-producing appliance.

During

• If you are inside your house during an earthquake, don't try to escape. Meet your family at a safe designated meeting spot in the house that you designated in your emergency plan. This should be a place that is protected by sturdy furniture or interior structural walls. Sitting under a sturdy table could protect you from falling objects. Structural parts of rooms like doorways may be stronger than other areas of the room, so stand under them if you can. If it is convenient, you can prop a mattress up against a wall to create a tunnel structure to take cover in. If you happen to be in the middle of cooking or using an appliance when the earthquake starts, turn off the stove or appliance and take cover.

After

• After the earthquake has stopped, make sure that everyone around you is safe and unharmed. Tend to any injuries with the first aid kit. If it seems like the house has suffered any structural damage, immediately vacate the house and get to a safer place. If you smell any gas, hear any hissing noises, or notice an sparks coming from damaged appliances, leave the house immediately to call emergency services or your utility provider.