The check boxes don’t do anything, there is no form to submit but they can be useful nevertheless, such as if you want to check a few off that you have done in a drill and print out this list.
Before the Earthquake
1. Prepare Your Emergency Kit:
Water: Three gallons per person for three days.
Food: Nonperishable items and a manual can opener.
First aid kit, prescription medications, and dust masks.
Flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle.
Copies of important documents in waterproof containers[1][5][7].
2. Secure Your Home:
Bolt heavy furniture to walls and secure appliances.
Install safety latches on cabinets and laminate windows to prevent shattering.
Keep a wrench handy to turn off utilities like gas or water lines[5][7].
3. Create an Emergency Plan:
Identify safe spots (under sturdy furniture or against interior walls).
Establish an out-of-state contact for family communication.
Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills regularly[3][5].
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During the Earthquake
1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
Drop to your hands and knees to prevent falling.
Cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture or next to an interior wall away from windows.
Hold on until the shaking stops[3][6][7].
2. Stay Put:
If indoors, remain there until the shaking ends.
If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines[7].
After the Earthquake
1. Expect Aftershocks:
Be ready for smaller tremors that can occur minutes to months after the initial quake.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On during aftershocks[2][6].
2. Inspect for Damage:
Check walls, floors, chimneys, doors, staircases, and windows for structural issues.
Turn off utilities if you suspect leaks or damage to gas or water lines[2][8].
3. Stay Safe:
Avoid entering damaged buildings until declared safe by authorities.
Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, gloves) and sturdy shoes when navigating debris[3][7].
4. Communicate & Stay Informed:
Use text messages instead of calls to conserve phone battery and avoid network congestion.
Listen to emergency updates via radio or social media platforms[2][6].
5. Help Others:
Check on neighbors and assist those in need if you are uninjured[2].
6. Evacuate If Necessary:
Move inland or to higher ground if in a tsunami-prone area following a coastal earthquake[2].
Little-Known Survival Tips
Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes near your bed for nighttime emergencies[1].
Use a helmet during aftershocks to protect against falling debris[6].
Store emergency supplies in accessible plastic tubs for quick evacuation[1].
By following this checklist before, during, and after an earthquake, you can enhance your preparedness and safety while minimizing risks associated with these unpredictable natural disasters.
Read More
[1] https://earthquake.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/10/Earthquake-Preparedness-Checklist.pdf
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-after-an-earthquake.html
[3] https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes
[4] https://aftershockfestival.com/health-and-safety/
[5] https://www.ajg.com/us/-/media/files/emergency-preparedness/earthquake/earthquake-preparedness-checklist.pdf
[6] https://www.earthquakeauthority.com/california-earthquake-risk/seven-steps-to-earthquake-safety
[7] https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Earthquake/Earthquake.pdf
[8] https://ssc.ca.gov/disasters/after_earthquake/