Survival Tip: Earthquakes

BEFORE an earthquake:

Choose a safe place for cover in every room of your house; under furniture, or against a wall where nothing can fall.

Create a family emergency plan.  Make a disaster supplies kit together. We call it a 72 hour kit.  Most emergency crews can not reach victims for 72 hours. Have snacks, money, prescription medication, a change of clothes etc in your kit.

Teach, “drop, cover, and hold on” and practice!

Bolt tall furniture to wall studs as will as water heaters.

Install strong latches on cupboards to avoid all your glassware etc from flying around and hurting you.

DURING an earthquake:

If you are in bed, stay put and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow

Move only a few steps to the closest safe place.  Stay indoors away from windows until the shaking stops.

AFTER an earthquake:

Expect aftershocks! Be prepared to “drop, cover and hold on” for each one.

Check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid help if needed.

Use the phone ONLY to report life-threatening emergencies.

Put on long pants and long sleeved shirts, sturdy shoes and work gloves to prevent more injuries.

Listen to the radio for instructions.

Put out any small fires and get rid of fire hazards by turning off the gas.  Only a professional should turn the gas back on!

Inspect your home for damage and move everyone out if it is unsafe.

Relevant Articles:

Survival Tip: Food Storage

Survival Tip: Utilities

Surgeon Genearl and Healthy Homes

Flu and You

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