Know the safe spot in each room, (under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls).
Know the danger spots, (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture).
Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations.
Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local Red Cross or other
community organization.
Decide where your family will reunite, if separated.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call
after the quake to report your condition. Carry emergency
contact cards with out of state contact phone numbers.
Develop a portable/auto survival kit for work
and travel
Home Preparedness
Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are
damaged.
Check chimneys, roofs, and wall foundations for stability. Note: If your
home was built before 1935, make sure your house is bolted to its foundation.
If your home is on a raised foundation, make sure the cripple walls have
been made into shear walls. Call a licensed contractor if you have any questions.
Secure Heavy Furnishings
Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility
lines.
Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves. Put latches on cabinet
doors to keep them closed during shaking.
Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays, or cleaning
products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.
Maintain emergency food, water, medicine, first aid kit, tools, and clothing.
Community Preparedness
Suggest that local organizations (of which you are a member) undertake
a specific preparedness program or acquire special training to be of assistance
in the event of a damaging earthquake.
Participate in neighborhood earthquake preparedness programs.
Attend training for neighborhood residents in preparedness, first aid,
fire suppression, damage assessment, and search and rescue.
Develop self-help networks between families and neighborhood through a
skills and resources bank, which includes a listing of tools, equipment,
materials, and neighborhood members who have special skills and resources
to share.
Identify neighbors who have special needs or will require special assistance.
Have neighbors agree to hang a white flag (bed sheet) out after the quake
if everyone and everything is OK.