From the Earthquake Country Alliance : The Alliance has worked with experts in earthquake science, preparedness, and mitigation to develop this step-by-step guide for staying safe before, during, and after an earthquake. Start with the simple tips within each step and then build on your accomplishments.
Prepare: Before the next big earthquake we recommend these four steps that will make you, your family, or your workplace better prepared to survive and recover quickly:
- Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
- Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate.
- Step 3: Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations.
- Step 4: Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance coverage.
Survive: During the next big earthquake, and immediately after, is when your level of preparedness will make a difference in how you and others survive and can respond to emergencies:
- Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or other recommended actions such as Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On – if you feel shaking or get an alert.
- Step 6: Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.
Recover: After the immediate threat of the earthquake has passed, your level of preparedness will determine your quality of life in the weeks and months that follow:
- Step 7: Reconnect and Restore daily life by reuniting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety: earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill October 16: shakeout.org
Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (PDF): earthquakecountry.org/library/ECA_Seven_Steps_Earthquake_Safety-EN.pdf
