Earthquake Safety Tips

It's a good idea to educate yourself about earthquake safety tips. This information will definitely come in handy if you ever have to deal with that type of situation.

Plan for an earthquake before it strikes.

When it comes to earthquakes, planning is key. Start preparing yourself before an earthquake strikes. Review the layout of your home with your family and make sure that everyone understands where they should seek shelter if tremors should start.

You will want to take shelter underneath a desk or other heavy piece of furniture or next to an inside wall so that objects are less likely to fall on you. The shaking will likely only last for a short time, and you are much more likely to be injured from falling objects or fires that break out afterward than the earthquake itself. When you take shelter, make a point of shielding your face by tucking it into the crook of your arm.

To minimize the threat of injury from falling objects, bolt heavy pieces of furniture, such as book cases and china cabinets, to the walls. Cupboards should be equipped with sturdy safety latches so that they don't come open during the earthquake and spill their contents throughout the house (or on you and your family).

If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, it's a good idea to prepare a disaster relief kit and have it ready to go. The kit should be stocked with the following items:

• First aid kit
• Canned food and an opener
• Bottled water (a minimum of three gallons per person)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Sleeping bags and extra clothing
• Fire extinguisher

When an earthquake strikes, you need to drop down to the floor or ground, seek cover under something solid, and hold on until the shaking ends. If you are indoors, stay away from windows if possible until the earthquake stops. In a situation where you are outside when the earthquake hits, find a spot that is away from buildings, power lines or trees to take shelter. People who are in a vehicle when the tremors start should stay inside it until the earthquake has passed. Tunnels and overpasses are not safe places for you to stay during an earthquake, so get away from them as quickly as possible.

Once the ground has stopped shaking, it's time to take stock of what has happened. The first step is to check yourself to see whether you are injured. Then check on your family members to see whether any of them have been hurt. Provide First Aid as needed.

After the earthquake, you need to be aware of the potential for fires to break out. Be alert and start by putting out any small fires. If you smell gas, shut it off. Use your flashlight if you need light; lighting candles near a gas leak is a recipe for disaster.

There may be aftershocks after the main earthquake has stopped. If they occur, drop down, take cover, and hold on - just as you did during the main earthquake. Phone lines may be down or very busy immediately following the earthquake, so please stay off the phone unless you need to get help for serious injuries.

Use your radio to receive information and instructions about what to do following the earthquake. If your home is relatively undamaged, then your best bet is to stay put until help arrives.

If you keep these earthquake safety tips in mind, you are more likely to be safe if the unexpected happens. Think about what you need to do to keep you and your family safe and practice finding safe spots in your home to take shelter. Putting your disaster relief kit together in advance will help you feel more secure, as well.

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