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Earthquake Preparedness

 

An earthquake can leave your home and family in disarray. The damage can easily exceed the limits of local jurisdictions, and you may need to depend on your own resources for anywhere from several hours to several days.

Having a plan of action and preparing ahead of time reduces stress and panic, and it frees local responders to do their jobs.

Family contact plan

Your family should know how to reach one another after an earthquake to report that everyone is safe. The most reliable way is to have everyone call the same relative or friend out of state and leave a message. That person acts as the hub and relays messages from anyone else who calls. Do this as soon as you can, since phone lines in and out of the region will likely jam with traffic.

If you have children, find out your school's policy on where students go after an earthquake. If you are unlikely to be able to pick them up yourself, arrange in advance for a neighbor, relative, or family friend to collect them and go to a prearranged location.

Prevent fires

Fires following earthquakes are one of the greatest threats to life and property. Several things reduce the risk:

Strap the water heater securely to the wall so it cannot topple and rupture its gas line.
Install smoke detectors throughout the house.
Install fire extinguishers in high-risk areas such as the kitchen, and learn how to use them properly.
Learn where the utility shutoffs are for gas and water, and how to shut them down.
Store gasoline, flammable liquids, pesticides, household chemicals, and other hazardous materials in unbreakable containers, away from possible sources of ignition.

Emergency supplies

The average home already has some of the supplies and food needed for up to three days, which is roughly how long you may be on your own before utilities are restored. Use the list below to find the gaps, and to decide what should be stored together in case you have to evacuate. Keeping some of these in your car or at work is worth doing too, since families are often scattered when an emergency hits.

Water and food
One to two gallons of water per person per day for drinking, and a way to purify more, either tablets or heat. Keep pantry shelves stocked with canned and dried foods that can be eaten without cooking or refrigeration. Plan for any special diets, and do not forget a manual can opener.
Medical and hygiene
An ample stock of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and toilet paper. A spare pair of eyeglasses, since you may not be able to keep wearing contacts, and an extra supply of any necessary medication. Anything needed for the care of babies, seniors, and people with disabilities. A first aid kit and book, and ideally a first aid or CPR course behind you.
Tools and hardware
A working flashlight somewhere you can find it in the dark. A portable radio for emergency information, with spare batteries. A wrench for shutting off gas and water service. A fire extinguisher in each high-risk area.

During an earthquake

If you are inside, stay in. Get under a desk or table, or brace yourself in a doorway, and stay away from windows, bookcases, chimneys, and mirrors.
If you are outside, stay outside. Move to an open area and watch for overhead wires, chimneys, and falling objects.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop, but not near power lines or under an overpass. Stay in the car until the shaking stops. If a line from a power pole falls onto your car, treat it as live even if you see no sparks or arcing.

After an earthquake

Check for fires, leaking gas, and injuries.
Look for people who may be hurt or trapped.
Do not use telephones except to request emergency help.
Turn on a portable radio for instructions and news.
Clean up spilled flammable liquids, chemicals, and medicines.
Check for leaking sewage under the house or near the street before using a toilet.
Organize emergency supplies and important legal documents in case you need to evacuate.
Draw a moderate amount of cold water in the bathtub in case water service is disrupted later.
Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.

More preparedness resources

To reduce damage to your home and injury to your family, start with How to Fix My Home. These outside resources go further:

Questions?

Contact our Executive Administrator at info@seaosd.org or 619-733-2734.