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Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
The information on this page is from
materials created by the
Emergency Survival Program (ESP) in 2006,
and based on "The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety" in the handbook,
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.
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PREPARE |
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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
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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
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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
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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
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SURVIVE |
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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
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RECOVER |
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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
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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
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Created in the SCEC system
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Last modified: October 16 2011 01:20
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© 2013 Southern California Earthquake Center
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