Before an Earthquake

Living in California involves living with the day-to-day threat of a major earthquake or the "BIG ONE" as it is referred to quite often. Yet, while everyone is aware of this constant danger, very few people have actually devised an emergency plan, and still even fewer are actually prepared for the dangers and effects that are associated with an earthquake.

It is well agreed upon fact that California is overdue for a major quake. Experts believe that a quake of an 8.0 magnitude, or above, can occur along the San Andreas fault at any time in the near future. Taking no more than an hour or two out of the day to develop a family earthquake plan can help alleviate the confusion and panic involved in such a situation. The following checklist includes a few of the activities you and your family can participate in to become better prepared for an earthquake.

• Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated during an earthquake.
• Have your family conduct routine practice drills in your home.
• Make sure every member of your family knows the location of "safe" spots in your home during a quake, as well as different escape routes from those areas.
• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that separated family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and conditions.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. For quick reference, the front pages of the telephone directories give excellent guidelines for a variety of emergency situations.
• Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged.

During an Earthquake

1. Stay calm.
   
2. Stay where you are. If indoors, stay indoors. If outdoors, stay outdoors. Most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving a building.
   
3. If the earthquake catches you while you're indoors, seek cover. Move away from windows and get under a table, desk or bench. As it moves, hold on and move with it.
   
4. If the earthquake catches while you are outdoors, stay clear of buildings and utility wires. Stay in the open until the shaking stops.
   
5. DO NOT run through or near buildings. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls.
   
6. DO NOT use candles, matches or other open flames either during or after an earthquake.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, underpasses or utility wires.

After an Earthquake

1. Check for injuries. DO NOT attempt to move an injured person(s) unless they are in danger of further injury.
   
2. Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, open windows and shut off main gas valve. Then leave the building and report gas leakage to local authorities.
   NOTE: Do not turn off gas unless there has been a major quake or there is an obvious gas leak; otherwise, it may take days to get someone out to turn it back on.
   
3. Check utility lines around, and connecting to, your home for damage. If electrical wiring is shorting out, shut off current at the main box.
   
4. If water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve. Emergency water may be obtained from sources such as the hot water tanks, toilet tanks, (NOT bowls), and melted ice cubes. If water pipes are damaged, DO NOT drink contaminated water.
   
5. Be prepared for additional earthquakes and/or aftershocks.
   
6. Stay out of severely damaged buildings; aftershocks can shake them down.
   
7. Stay off the telephone. Only use the phone to report an emergency. Tune to radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

After a major earthquake, water and gas may be out of service. Emergency aid may not reach you for several days. Make sure you store the following items in your home. Also, keep emergency supplies at your office and in your car.

• Food - Non perishable, canned or dehydrated, requiring minimum heat and water.
• Water - One (1) gallon of water per person per day for drinking. Additional water required for cooking and hygiene.
• First Aid Kit - customized, based on family needs, including first aid manual.
• Prescription Medication - keep extra supplies on hand; note expiration dates.
• Portable Radio - be sure to have fresh batteries on hand.
• Portable Flashlights - keep spare batteries and bulbs on hand.
• Personal Documents and Money - designate a place to keep all your important documents together: birth certificates, health papers, insurance policies, passports, and social security cards. Also, keep cash on hand because bank services may be disrupted for an extended period.
• Miscellaneous Items- can opener (manual), waterproof matches, tools, knife, rope, candles, (not to be used if gas leaks or electrical problems exist), blankets gloves, heating fuel, personal hygiene items.