Find Safe Spots in Your Home for Every Disaster

Sometimes disasters strike without warning. You may be stuck in your home. Be ready by finding the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Earthquake

• Move away from windows, glass, and breakable or loose objects. Beware of falling, flying, and sliding objects.
• Brace yourselves in a doorway or inside hallway, or slide under a sturdy table, desk, or bed.
• If you can’t move to a safer area, sit down where you are and protect your head and body with your arms, pillows, blankets, books, or any nearby object.

Flood

• In a flood, move to the highest point in your home.
• If flood waters are rising and you can’t evacuate, be sure to have flotation vests.

Hurricane

• In a hurricane, move to the center of the house, preferably to a small room opposite the direction from which the wind is blowing.
• Stay away from windows.

Tornado

• Stay indoors and move to the basement, if there is one. Duck under the stairs or a heavy work table. Don’t stand under heavy appliances or furniture on the floor above.
• If there is no basement, go to a small room in the center of the house, on the ground floor. Get under a sturdy table, desk, or bed.
• Use a pillow, blanket, books, or your arms to protect yourself from wind-born debris.

Sources:

United States Naval Academy
Virginia State Website