Earthquake Preparedness at Home

Secure your home

• Strap bookcases, dressers, water heaters and TVs to wall studs.
• Store heavy and breakable items on low shelves.
• Use latches on cabinets so contents don't spill out.
• Hang mirrors and heavy pictures away from beds and couches.
• Know where your gas, water and electric shutoffs are, and keep a shutoff wrench nearby.

During shaking: Drop, Cover, Hold On

1. Drop onto your hands and knees.
2. Cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby.
3. Hold On until the shaking stops.

Don't run outside or stand in a doorway; in modern homes, doorways aren't stronger than other parts of the house. If you're in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. If you're outdoors, move away from buildings, trees and power lines.

After the shaking stops

• Expect aftershocks.
• Check for injuries and put on sturdy shoes to protect against broken glass.
• If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately and shut off the gas at the meter only if it's safe. Once shut off, only the utility should turn it back on.
• If you live on the coast and the shaking was strong or long, move to high ground right away in case of a tsunami.

Supplies for the days after

Water and sewer lines may be damaged for days. Store water, food and a sanitation kit with toilet bags, and keep shoes, a flashlight and a whistle by every bed.