Emergency Readiness

For more information on earthquake preparedness and earthquakes in California, see Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country by the SCEC.

Before an earthquake

Anchor bookcases

It is amazing how many people fail to anchor potentially deadly items such as heavy bookcases. You absolutely must secure these to walls. Fastening straps are inexpensive and easy to install. You can find them at any Home Depot, OSH, or Lowe’s.

Secure heavy decorative objects

Use earthquake putty. Again, the stuff is cheap and readily available, and it may keep your crystal vase from flying off the shelf and causing big problems during an earthquake. Quake putty is easy to remove by hand and will not leave marks on the object.

Secure wall hangings

You can buy “earthquake-proof” wall-hanging kits, with special hooks and extra-long nails that hold your paintings firmly in place. Again, these are cheap and easy to find. Be especially cautious about artwork in glass frames. If the frame falls on wood or tile flooring, it will most likely break, and you will find yourself running on shattered glass. If it falls on carpeting, you may step on it and right into the glass.

Secure heavy kitchen appliances

Your stove and fridge may decide to walk around the kitchen if the earth starts to rattle. Prevent this with fastening straps made for appliances.

Secure cabinet doors

Use latches on all cabinet doors to prevent an avalanche of falling dishes and glasses.

If you have pets, look around and notice anything that might fall on them. A frightened animal is difficult to catch, and can easily be killed by a falling bookcase or other heavy item. Take precautions for them as well as for yourself.

Keep an emergency kit at home and in the car

You should have enough water and food to last a few days for each member of the household. You must have food that does not require any cooking, as gas and electricity may be down. Opt for the water and high-calorie foodbars used by the army—conveniently packaged and with long shelf lives! Regular water bottles and food bars will eventually go bad in high temperatures. You can order water and food supplies from companies such as Quakecare.

Other essential items are flashlights and 12-hour light sticks; solar or hand-crank powered lights and a radio; a battery-powered radio; spare batteries; heavy-duty gloves; a whistle; water-proof matches and emergency candles; a local map; emergency contact information; a first aid kit; a dust mask; a couple of blankets; and a waterproof poncho with hood. Remember that if power is down, you will not be able to use a cordless phone. Consider having a regular corded phone in the house for emergencies. It is possible that phone lines will be working even if power is down. In your car, you should keep the same kit as at home, with the addition of a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a small backpack, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries.

During an earthquake

The most important thing to remember is that most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If you are indoors

  • Contrary to what you may have heard, standing under a doorway is not especially safe. During strong seismic activity, doorways rack and twist as the house rattles. The doorway itself could lean right into you. And if the doorjamb collapses, you could be seriously injured. Head for a doorway only if it is very close to where you are AND you know that it is a strongly supported, load-bearing structure. Otherwise, here is what to do.
  • Move as little as possible through the house. Research shows that most preventable injuries during quakes occur when people try to move to a different location.
  • Stay away from windows. Shattered glass is one of the most serious dangers during an earthquake.
  • Stay away from any heavy objects that could fall.
  • Duck under a sturdy table or desk. If it moves, move with it!
  • Stay undercover until the shaking stops.
  • Stay in bed if that is where you are when the earthquake strikes and there is no sturdy desk or table in close proximity. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
  • If you can not get to a desk or table, drop to the ground, cover your head, and sit down in an inside corner of the building.
  • If you are at home, sitting on the floor right in the middle of the room may be your best bet. You will be away from the windows, and away from walls, which can collapse inward during a quake.
  • DO NOT sit anywhere near a chimney. You could be hit with an avalanche of bricks or by the chimney tower falling straight into the house.
  • DO NOT use elevators.
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out, and the sprinkler systems and fire alarms may turn on. The noise and activity may cause a feeling of general mayhem, but stay calm.
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops!

If you are outdoors

  • Stay there!
  • Move away from buildings. The greatest danger exists alongside exterior walls, directly outside buildings, and at exits.
  • Move away from trees.
  • Move away from streetlights.
  • Move away from utility wires.
  • Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are in a car

  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
  • Avoid stopping near or under buildings.
  • Avoid stopping near trees.
  • Avoid stopping near overpasses.
  • Avoid stopping near utility wires.
  • Tune in to the radio for emergency information on any damaged roads or bridges to avoid.

After an earthquake

  • Expect aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually less violent than the main jolt, but can be strong enough to do further damage to weakened structures. They can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
  • Stay tuned to the radio for upated emergency information. Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
  • Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
  • Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance is specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.
  • Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves. When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way.
  • Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate and if you are trained. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
  • Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
  • Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
  • Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.
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