Information from the California Governor’s
Office of Emergency Services website. For additional safety tips from the San Francisco Office of Emergency Services & Homeland Security, visit
www.72hours.org.
Before
an Earthquake |
| 1. |
Prepare
an emergency kit of food, water and supplies including a
flashlight, portable battery-operated radio, batteries, medicines,
first aid kit, money and clothing. |
| 2. |
Know the safe
spots in each room – under sturdy tables, desks, or
against interior walls. |
| 3. |
Know the danger
spots – near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces
and tall, unsecured furniture. |
| 4. |
Conduct practice
drills so you and your family know the safe locations in
your home. |
| 5. |
Decide how and
where you family will reunite if separated during a quake. |
| 6. |
Choose an out-of-state
friend or relative who family members can call after the
quake to report their whereabouts and conditions. |
| 7. |
Learn first aid
and CPR. |
| 8. |
Learn how to
shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are
damaged. SAFETY NOTE: Do not attempt to relight the gas pilot.
Call the utility company. |
| 9. |
Check chimneys,
roofs walls and foundations for stability. Make sure your
house is bolted to its foundation. |
| 10. |
Secure your water
heater and major appliances as well as tall, heavy furniture,
hanging plants, mirrors and picture frames – especially
those over beds. |
| 11. |
Keep breakables,
heavy objects, flammable or hazardous liquids such as, paints,
pest sprays and cleaning products, in secured cabinets or
on lower shelves. |
| 12. |
Organize your
neighborhood to be self-sufficient after a quake. |
| |
| During
an Earthquake |
| 1. |
If indoors, stay
there. Get under a desk or table or stand in a corner. |
| 2. |
If outdoors,
get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and
power lines. |
| 3. |
If in a high-rise
building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under
a table. Do not use elevators. |
| 4. |
If driving, pull
over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and
power lines. Stay inside your car until the shaking is over. |
| 5. |
If in a crowded
public place, do not rush for the doors. Crouch and cover
your head and neck with your hands and arms. |
| |
After
an Earthquake |
| 1. |
Check for gas
and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines.
If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source and
immediately report gas leaks to your utility company. Check
for downed power lines; warn others to stay away. |
| 2. |
Check your building
for cracks and damage, including the roof, chimneys and foundation. |
| 3. |
Turn on your
portable radio for instructions and news reports. For your
own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials
and follow instructions. |
| 4. |
Do not use your
vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear
for emergency vehicles. |
| 5. |
Be prepared for
aftershocks. |
| 6. |
Stay calm and
lend a hand to others. |
| 7. |
If you evacuate,
leave a message at your home telling family members and others
where you can be found. |
| |
|
Emergency
Supplies Checklist2 |
Essentials
List |
| 1. |
Water – 1
gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water
is preferable) |
| 2. |
Water purification
kit |
| 3. |
First aid kit,
freshly stocked |
| 4. |
First aid book |
| 5. |
Food |
| 6. |
Can opener (non-electric) |
| 7. |
Blankets or sleeping
bags |
| 8. |
Portable radio,
flashlight and spare batteries |
| 9. |
Essential medications |
| 10. |
Extra pair of
eyeglasses |
| 11. |
Extra pair of
house and car keys |
| 12. |
Fire extinguisher – A-B-C
type |
| 13. |
Food, water and
restraint (leash or carrier) for pets |
| 14. |
Cash and change |
| 15. |
Baby supplies:
formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and baby powder, clothing,
blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and
juices. |
