How to Prepare and Be Safe During an Earthquake

Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container like a duffel bag or camping backpack. And make sure these supplies are in an easily accessible places (say your hallway closet, your car and place of work) and that everyone in your family knows where it is. Click here for details on how to create a disaster kit. [1]
Families can cope with disaster by preparing in
advance and working together as a team. Follow these steps to create your family’s disaster plan. [2]

Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Store flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

Against an inside wall.

Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

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