The Red Cross provides several resources for earthquake preparedness and other natural disasters:
Be prepared.
✓ Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit with water, food, first aid kit, important documents and other essentials.
✓ Secure any tall furniture, cabinets, water heaters, or gas appliance by bolting and bracing them to the wall.
✓ Learn fire evacuation and eathquake procedures for work, home, and any other buildings you occupy regularly.
Protect yourself during an earthquake
If you are inside:
✓ Drop to the ground and find cover under a piece of sturdy furniture or sit on the floor next to an interior wall using your hands and arms to protect your head.
✓ If you’re in bed, stay there. Curl up and put your pillow over your head for protection.
✓ Get away from windows. They could shatter.
If you are outside:
✓ Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and powerlines. Stay there until the shaking stops.
✓ If you’re in a car, pull over and stop. Stay in the car with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.
Don’t fall for common misconceptions.
∅ Don’t stand in a doorway. Doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure. Instead, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on, this will help protect you from any falling objects.
∅ Don’t go outside. If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking stops. If you need to exit the building after, make sure to use stairs instead of an elevator.
A Safety Checklist is available for download here.
Are you prepared for “The Big One”? Share your safety tips and earthquake experiences in the comments section.
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