BEFORE EARTHQUAKES:

1. Prepare Earthquake Emergency Kit.
2. Establish an Earthquake Plan at your home or workplace.
3. Learn first aid.
4. Get training on how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department. Training will help you to stay calm in such situations and know what to do when an earthquake occurs.
5. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
6. Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves (they’ll fall during a quake).
7. Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
8. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.
9. Inform guests, babysitters, and caretakers of your plan. Everyone in your home should know what to do if an earthquake occurs. Assure yourself that others will respond properly even if you are not at home during the earthquake.
10. Discuss earthquakes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing earthquakes ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.
11. Know Safe Spots in Every Room (i.e. Sturdy Tables, Desks)
12. Know Dangerous Spots in Every Room (i.e. Windows, Hanging Objects, Fireplace, Appliances.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

If you are indoors during an earthquake:

1. Stay There! Do NOT Run Outside
2. Stay Calm & Remember the Phase, “Duck, Cover, and Hold”
3. Stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table).
4. Stay away from windows and outside doors. It is very dangerous to try to leave a building during an earthquake.
5. Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame.
6. Don’t use elevators (they’ll probably get stuck anyway).

If you are outdoor during an earthquake

1. Stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall.
2. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
3. If you’re in a car, pull over to a clear location, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
4. Stay away from bridges, overpasses & tunnels.
5. If you are in mountainous area stay away from falling rocks & other debris
6. If you are on the beach/ocean front, move to higher ground or several hundred yards inland

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

1. Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
2. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities.
3. Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency.
4. Inspect your house for damages and stay out of damaged and unsafe buildings. Aftershocks can cause further damage to unstable buildings.
5. Be careful around broken glass and debris.
6. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
7. Do Not Turn On or Off any Electrical Devices.
8. If you are at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge
9. Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio for updated information and instructions from local authorities.
10. Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on.

What to include in an earthquake emergency kit

If you thought your mobile phone, passport and jewellery are the most important things to keep ready if things start shaking, you are wrong. Below is a list of things that experts advocate people in the quake-prone areas to include in an emergency kit.

1. A Flashlight
2. Extra batteries
3. Portable battery –operated radio
4. First aid kit and first aid manual
5. At least three gallons of water per person
6. Canned food
7. Non-electric can opener
8. Essential medicines (including prescription medications)
9. Protective clothing and rainwear
10. Sleeping bag
11. Sturdy shoes
12. Rescue and Repair Tools
13. Fire Extinguisher