What to do before an Earthquake part 3 of 6

This is the third installment in a series of six

ways to plan ahead.

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Educate Yourself and Family Members

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water

If you ever have trouble finding your glasses, wallet, or keys, it’s even harder after an earthquake, but you’ll need them more than ever. So watch where you put them—your medicines, too—every day and every night.

You will really need your glasses, your wallet, your medicines, and your keys, and you’re going to want them right now as you’re running out of the house.

So keep track of them.

When you go to bed every night, put them where you know you’ll be able to find them easily—even after your house has gone through a blender.

Michael Skyler is the owner of the Earthquake Supply Center, an earthquake and emergency preparedness supply center. For information and supplies contact him at 415.459-5500 or visit http://www.earthquakesupplycenter.com

Keep a survival kit with you in your car at all times!