| PREPARE: | | | | LOCATION OF SHUT-OFF VALVES: |
| Earthquake kits have become essential throughout | | | | Know the location of the shut-off valves for |
| the world. Though is seems like there are more | | | | water, gas, and electricity, and how to operate |
| earthquakes then usual, according to the United | | | | the valves. If you are not sure, contact your |
| State Geological Survey (USGS) we are currently | | | | utility company. |
| experiencing the normal or typical amount of | | | | MAKE SPECIAL PROVISIONS ELDERLY, |
| earthquakes. | | | | DISABLED, OR PERSONS UNDER MEDICATION: |
| Earthquake Preparedness and as well as preparing | | | | These people may have difficulty moving around |
| for all types of natural or man-made disasters is | | | | after an earthquake. Make arrangements ahead |
| highly recommended by FEMA, The Red Cross, | | | | of time to have someone help him or her to |
| Federal and local governments. Being self sufficient | | | | evacuate if necessary. Often times a neighbor or |
| for at least 72 hours after a disaster is crucial. | | | | relative living close may be the best choice as a |
| Having an Earthquake kit or survival kit and having | | | | designated assistant. In addition, the person with |
| a disaster plan in place before a disaster, has been | | | | special needs may require special foods or |
| proven to decrease fears and save lives. At we | | | | medication. Be sure to store several days' supply |
| help people to prepare for both man mad and | | | | of these special provisions and let the designated |
| natural disasters. | | | | helper know where these supplies are stored. |
| SAFEST PLACE IN THE HOME: | | | | PERSONS WHO DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH: |
| During an earthquake, stay away from heavy | | | | People who do not speak English often rely on |
| furniture, appliances, windows, shelves, and | | | | their family or friends for information. If they are |
| fireplaces. These items tend to fall or break and | | | | separated during an earthquake, they may need |
| can injure you. Usually, a hallway is one of the | | | | help. Prepare emergency information cards, |
| safest places if it is not crowded with objects. | | | | written in English, indicating identification, address, |
| Kitchens and garages tend to be the most | | | | and special needs. |
| dangerous. Before an earthquake occurs, find the | | | | PETS: |
| safest place in each room. This includes your | | | | Have a pet survival kit ready and available for |
| workplace and when you are away from home. It | | | | each pet. Keep pets in a secure place at home |
| just takes a few seconds to look around in an | | | | after an earthquake. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you |
| unfamiliar building to size it up and locate a place | | | | must evacuate, pets most likely will not be |
| where you will the safest. It will be difficult to | | | | allowed at the emergency shelter. Make prior |
| move from one place to another during a severe | | | | arrangements to have your pets stay at a |
| earthquake. So knowing your options ahead of | | | | friend's or relative's house which is not in the |
| time is essential. | | | | evacuation area. You should also contact your |
| EXITS AND ALTERNATIVE EXITS: | | | | veterinarian and ask them if they have the ability |
| Always know all the possible ways to exit your | | | | to house your pet. During hurricane Katrina many |
| house and work place in emergencies. Locate | | | | people we told to leave there pets behind as they |
| exits that may only be available to you in an | | | | would not be welcome in the evacuation shelters. |
| emergency. When you are in an unfamiliar building, | | | | Please make arrangements for your pets before |
| find another exit besides the front door of the | | | | a disaster so you are not forced to abandon you |
| establishment. Most likely, everyone will rush for | | | | pet. Many dogs and cats either became homeless |
| the front door and not realize that there is a | | | | or died as a result of leaving them behind after |
| second exit. After the earthquake occurs, and it is | | | | the hurricane. |
| safe exit though the safest exit. | | | | |