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Due to the recent earthquake activity, I wanted to provide you with some
steps to earthquake safety. These were downloaded from
www.earthquakecountry.info based in Southern California; feel free to visit
that site to learn more about earthquake safety.

The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
The following steps are excerpted from “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake
Country.”

Step 1: Fix potential hazards in your home
? Install latches on kitchen cabinets.
? Secure TVs, stereos, computers, etc. with velcro straps. Use putty or wax
adhesive for smaller items.
? Hang mirrors and artwork from closed hooks.
? Secure top-heavy furniture and appliances to walls.
? Install flexible connectors on gas appliances.
? Strap water heaters correctly to the wall.
? Store flammable or hazardous materials on lower shelves or on the floor

Step 2: Create a disaster plan
? Practice “drop, cover, and hold on.”
? Keep shoes and a flashlight next to each bed.
? Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course.
? Know how and when to shut off utilities.
? Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
? Select a safe place outside of your home to meet your family or
housemates after the earthquake.
? Designate an out-of-state contact person who can be called to relay
information.
? Keep your children's school release card current.

Step 3: Create disaster supplies kits
Keep a personal disaster supplies kit in your home, in your car, and at
work, with at least the following:
? Medications and important medical information
? First aid kit and handbook
? Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
? Bottled water and snack foods
? Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location)
? Emergency cash, in small bills.
? List of out-of-state contact phone numbers
? Working flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
? Personal hygiene supplies
? Copies of personal identification; you should store copies “off site”,
for instance, in a safety deposit box or with a trusted friend or relative
? In addition to your personal disaster supplies kits, store a household
disaster supplies kit with a three-day to one-week supply of items needed
to live without normal services (water, electricity, etc.) and to begin
recovery.

Step 4: Fix your building’s potential weaknesses.
If your building needs the following retrofitting, you likely need to
consult a professional:
? The framing of your house should be bolted at least every 6 feet to the
perimeter of the concrete foundation (every 4 feet in a multistory
building).
? Homes with a crawl space should have plywood connecting the studs of the
short “cripple” walls.
? Larger openings in the lower floor, such as a garage door, should be
properly reinforced.
? Masonry walls and chimneys should be reinforced.

For those who rent: You control which apartment or house you rent. Ask the
landlord these questions:
? What retrofitting has been done on this building?
? Have water heaters been strapped to the wall studs?
? Can I secure furniture to the walls?

Step 5: During earthquakes and aftershocks:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
? During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or
table, and hold on to it firmly.
? If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a
pillow.
? The area near outer walls is very dangerous. Do not try to go outside
during shaking.
? If outside, move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power
lines, trees, and other hazards.
? If driving, pull over to the side of the road, stop, and stay in your car
until shaking stops.

Step 6: After the earthquake, check for injuries and damage.
Check for injuries:
? If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use clean
gauze or cloth, if available.
? Administer rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
? Carefully check children or others needing special assistance.
? Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger
of further injury.
? Get medical help for serious injuries.

Check for damage:
? If possible, put out small fires immediately.
? Shut off the main gas valve only if you suspect a leak. Wait for the gas
company to turn it back on.
? Shut off power at the main breaker switch if there is any damage to your
house wiring. Unplug broken lights or appliances as they could start fires.
? Spilled hazardous materials such as bleach, chemicals, and gasoline
should be covered with dirt or cat litter.
? Stay away from chimneys or brick walls with visible cracks. Don’t use a
fireplace with a damaged chimney.
? Stay away from downed power lines and objects in contact with them.

Step 7: When safe, continue to follow your disaster plan.
The first days after the earthquake…
Until you are sure there are no gas leaks, do not use open flames or
operate any electrical or mechanical device that can create a spark.
Never use the following indoors: camp stoves, gas lanterns or heaters, gas
or charcoal grills, or gas generators. These can release deadly carbon
monoxide or be a fire hazard in aftershocks.
? Turn on your portable or car radio for information and safety advisories.
? Call your out-of-state contact, tell them your status, then stay off the
phone.
? Check on the condition of your neighbors.
? If power is off, plan meals to use up refrigerated and frozen foods
first.
? If your water is off or unsafe, you can drink from water heaters, melted
ice cubes, or canned vegetables.
? Report damage to your local building department and to your local office
of emergency services.

If you cannot stay in your home…
Because shelters will likely be overcrowded, do not leave home just because
utilities are out of service or your home and its contents have suffered
only moderate damage.
If you do evacuate, tell a neighbor and your out-of-state contact where you
are going, and take your personal disaster supplies kits and other
essentials.

HEALTH TIP: After an earthquake, expect services at local hospitals to be
overwhelmed and seek medical treatment only as needed. Listen to your radio
or television for news and instructions.