PREPARE

Step 1: Secure it now!

Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a "hazard hunt" to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters, etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.

Download the Secure It Now! focus sheet (804 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #1 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

Step 2: Make a plan

Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.

Download the Make a Plan focus sheet (436 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #2 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

Step 3: Make disaster kits

Everyone should have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.

Download the Make Disaster Kits focus sheet (432 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #3 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

Step 4: Is your place safe?

Most houses are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of the things that you might consider checking include inadequate foundations, unbraced cripple walls, soft first stories, unreinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes. Consult a contractor or engineer to help you identify your building's weaknesses and begin to fix them now.

Download the Is Your Place Safe? focus sheet (620 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #4 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

SURVIVE

Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!

Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you're at home, at work, at school or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On", can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.

Download the Drop, Cover, and Hold On! focus sheet (480 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #5 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

RECOVER

Step 6: Check it out!

One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.

Download the Check It Out! focus sheet (560 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #6 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

Step 7: Communicate and recover!

Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most Presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.

Download the Communicate and Recover! focus sheet (408 KB PDF -- courtesy Emergency Survival Program)
Step #7 in Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country