Earthquake Safety Information

Earthquakes hit without warning, any time day or night. Depending on the severity, an earthquake can cause extensive property damage and death. Knowing how to prepare before an earthquake and what to do during and after an earthquake is essential to survival.

Preparation

• Identify hazards in the home. Secure heavy objects to the walls. Move heavy pictures and mirrors away from places where people sleep or sit. Find safe places to shelter like a sturdy desk or table and away from windows, mirrors, or where heavy furniture could fall. Have disaster supplies like flashlight, radio, batteries and bottled water on hand, as during a quake, it is likely electricity and water will be cut off.

During: Indoors

• If you are indoors when an earthquake strikes, drop to the ground, get under a heavy piece of furniture and hold on. Don't use a doorway for cover, unless you know it is strongly supported. Don't try to leave the building; most injuries occur when people move around during an earthquake.

During: Outdoors

• If you are outdoors during an earthquake, move away from buildings, light poles and glass windows and doors. There is danger from falling debris, electrical wires and glass. The best place to be is an open space, away from hazards.

During: In a Car

• If you are in a car during an earthquake, stay in the vehicle. The car is a protective structure. Drive to an open space. Do not stop under freeways or on bridges, ramps or overpasses, as these are likely to collapse or become damaged during a quake.

After

• Expect aftershocks. Stay away from damaged areas. Electricity and water supplies are likely to be cut off, so conserve your water supplies. Listen to a battery-operated radio for emergency instructions and information. Use the telephone for emergency calls only, as emergency personnel will need to use the lines for communication.