Preparing for Earthquakes

There were two small earthquakes off the coast of California Tuesday, and though they were small enough to not cause damage or injury, they serve as a reminder that disaster can strike at any time.

Therefore, it is very important that we all stay informed about what to do should an earthquake occur. Below are five tips[1] to follow to ensure you and everyone else around you stays safe during an earthquake:

1. If you are inside a building, drop to the ground, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, and stay there until the shaking stops.

–If no furniture is available, crouch in a corner, covering your face and eyes with your arms.

2. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, and walls, as well as anything that can fall.

3. Do not use elevators, or try to exit a building that is shaking.

4. If you are outside, then move to an open space, away from buildings and electrical wires.

5. If you are in a car, then stop as soon as you safely can, and do not park near trees, under buildings, near wires, or overpasses.

You should also have an emergency preparedness kit[2] available that can be used during an earthquake or any other disaster. Below is a shortened list of items you should have:

• One gallon of water, per person, per day
• Three day supply of non-perishable foods, such as canned goods
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• A whistle, to signal for help
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Dust mask, moist towelettes, and garbage bags
• Manual can opener
• Maps and cell phone chargers

These survival tips are just a small sample of how you can be better prepared for an earthquake. However, you should also do research on your own in order to find the best survival plan for you and your family. By doing so, you will make sure you have all the tools you need to stay safe!