| An earthquake can strike any time and better | | | | sketch of an evacuation plan for your house. You |
| preparedness for an earthquake can ensure your | | | | can also include a second evacuation plan. |
| safety and your family's safety. During an | | | | - Repair: Leaky gas connections, improper |
| earthquake, one can feel vibration of the ground, | | | | electrical wiring and defective utility services can |
| noise which progressively grows louder, swaying | | | | be hazardous during emergency. So, make sure |
| sensation etc. Most injuries and deaths from | | | | you repair such problems in your home by |
| earthquake are due to falling objects and debris, | | | | seeking professional help. |
| especially near the entry and exit points. Knowing | | | | - Anchor the appliances, fixtures: Anchor the |
| how an earthquake can affect you and planning | | | | appliances such as refrigerator, gas equipment, |
| to deal with it beforehand can greatly reduce the | | | | furnace, water heater etc. firmly to the wall. |
| chances of injury and death. | | | | Overhead lightning fixtures should also be |
| Emergency preparedness for an earthquake | | | | anchored. This will minimize the falling of objects |
| involves discussing with your family about steps | | | | during an earthquake. |
| to take when an earthquake occurs. When people | | | | - Put Heavy Objects in Lower shelves: Heavy |
| are filled with panic and fear during an earthquake, | | | | objects, breakables such as china, glass etc. should |
| they tend to act in an improper way. Planning to | | | | be placed in lower shelves. This will prevent them |
| deal with an earthquake before it occurs can | | | | from falling and causing injuries during an |
| enable your family to act in the best possible way | | | | earthquake. |
| when the earthquake strikes. | | | | - Make a list of important information: Write down |
| Top 10 Emergency Preparedness For an | | | | important such as important telephone numbers, |
| Earthquake: | | | | vehicle numbers, medications list, bank account |
| Here are the top 10 emergency preparedness | | | | numbers etc. and put them in a secure place. |
| tips for an earthquake: | | | | - Make a priority List: Make a priority list which |
| - Know the safe spots in your home: Safe spots | | | | details the actions to be done when an |
| are those places where there is a minimal chance | | | | earthquake strikes. Your list can include important |
| of an object and debris falling from above. Some | | | | things to carry such as food, utilities etc., turning |
| examples of safe spots are hallways, archways, | | | | off utilities, locking doors, using fire extinguisher |
| room corners, spots under heavy tables, desks | | | | etc. |
| etc. | | | | - Store Important Documents: Store important |
| - Practice Safety Drills With Your Family: Safety | | | | documents such as insurance policies, education |
| drills are the actions one has to take during an | | | | certificates, birth certificates, wills etc. in a |
| earthquake. Some of the safety drills you can | | | | fire-proof safe. |
| practice with your family are - getting under | | | | - Ensure your home has stable foundation: Make |
| heavy table or desk; covering one's face with | | | | sure your home has a strong foundation. Also |
| arms; staying clear of places where objects can | | | | take up any repairs if necessary. |
| fall; standing or crouching in safe spots, corners, | | | | Emergency preparedness for an earthquake |
| and strongly supported doorways. | | | | minimizes injury, damage to your home and |
| - Evacuation Plans: An evacuation plan enables | | | | increases your safety. So, make sure you |
| your family to escape during the first signs of | | | | prepare yourself beforehand to escape the |
| emergency. You can discuss and come up with a | | | | disastrous affects of an earthquake. |