

FACT SHEET: EARTHQUAKES

FACT SHEET:
EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning.
Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning
can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from
an earthquake. 

BEFORE

Check for hazards in the home.
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.
Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and
bolting it to the floor.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert
advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely
in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify safe places in each room.
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.

Locate safe places outdoors. In the open, away from buildings,
trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated
expressways.
Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.

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

Contact your local emergency management office or American
Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. 
Have disaster supplies on hand.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water
Nonelectric can opener
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are
at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting
after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the &quot;family
contact.&quot; After a disaster, it's often easier to call long
distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address,
and phone number of the contact person.

DURING

If indoors:
Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an
inside wall and hold on.
Stay inside.
The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake
is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If outdoors:
Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and
utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:
Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.
Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses,
or utility wires.
Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid
bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Pets after an Earthquake
The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake.
Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive
or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them
in a fenced yard.
Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space
reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes
a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.

AFTER

Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main
shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and maybring weakened
structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days,
weeks, or even months after the quake.
Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate.
Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate
danger of further injury. Call for help.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest
emergency information.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities
say it is safe.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other
flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas
or fumes from other chemicals.
Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage.
Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing
noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off
the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas
company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any
reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken
or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the
electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have
to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call
an electrician first for advice.
Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage
lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber.
If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid
using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting
ice cubes.

MITIGATION

Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency,
reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging
effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation
steps now such as repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and
foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling
and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce
the impact of earthquakes in the future. For more information
on mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.


