🌍 Earthquake Preparedness & Safety

Earthquakes are sudden and violent shaking of the ground, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rocks. While many associate earthquakes with the West Coast, 45 states and territories across the U.S. are at moderate to high risk, including the New Madrid Fault in the Central U.S. Since earthquakes cannot be predicted, preparing yourself and your family ahead of time is crucial.

⚠️ What to Do During an Earthquake

The best way to stay safe during an earthquake is to stay calm and know the actions to take immediately. Earthquakes may have foreshocks, and a larger quake could follow. Minimize movement and get to safety as quickly as possible.

🏠 If You’re Indoors

1. DROP to the ground to prevent being knocked over.
2. COVER by taking shelter under a sturdy table or furniture. If no furniture is nearby, protect your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner away from glass.
3. HOLD ON to the furniture until the shaking stops. This will help keep you safe and prevent injury.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Glass: Stay away from windows, glass, exterior doors, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures and furniture.
• Stay in Bed: If you’re already in bed, protect your head with a pillow, unless there’s a risk of heavy items falling above you (e.g., light fixtures). In that case, move to a safer location.
• Use a Doorway Only If Necessary: If a doorway is near, and you know it is a load-bearing, strong structure, you may use it as shelter. However, in most cases, sheltering under furniture is safer.
• Stay Inside: Do not rush outside during the shaking unless there is a significant danger, like structural damage.

🌳 If You’re Outdoors

• Stay Outside: Move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, and anything that could fall.
• Find Open Space: Stay away from exits, corners of buildings, and areas near windows. Earthquakes can cause structures to collapse and flying debris to injure people.

Why Stay Outside?

• The greatest danger during an earthquake occurs from collapsing buildings, falling glass, and flying objects. Stay in open areas where these hazards are minimized.

🚗 If You’re in a Moving Vehicle

1. Stop Safely: As soon as it’s safe, pull over to a safe area, away from overpasses, bridges, buildings, trees, and utility wires.
2. Stay in Your Vehicle: It provides some protection from debris and falling objects.
3. Proceed Cautiously: Once the shaking stops, drive slowly and avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that may have been damaged during the quake.

🔨 If Trapped Under Debris

1. Don’t Light Matches: This could ignite gas or chemicals in the area.
2. Cover Your Mouth: Use a handkerchief or cloth to protect your breathing from dust and debris.
3. Make Noise to Be Found:
   • Tap on a pipe or wall to help rescuers locate you.
   • Use a whistle if available—shouting may be dangerous and cause you to inhale dust.
   • Shout only as a last resort if no other means of signaling is possible.

📝 After an Earthquake: What to Do Next

Once the shaking stops, be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary quakes can be almost as damaging as the first.

1. Listen to Updates: Use a battery-operated radio or TV to get the latest information on the earthquake and any aftershocks.
2. Use Phones Sparingly: Only use the phone for emergency calls to keep lines open for first responders.
3. Be Cautious When Opening Cabinets: Be aware that objects may have shifted during the earthquake and could fall when doors are opened.
4. Avoid Damaged Areas: Do not enter any building or area that is structurally damaged or unsafe.
5. Help the Injured: If safe, assist those who are injured or trapped in debris.

🧯 Safety Hazards to Watch For After an Earthquake

1. Gas Leaks: Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply and leave the area immediately.
2. Electrical Damage: Inspect electrical systems for damage. If you see sparks or exposed wires, stay away and report the damage to authorities.
3. Water and Sewage Lines: Check for broken water pipes or sewage lines and report any issues to local authorities.
4. Clean Up Hazards:
   • Flammable Liquids: Clean up any spilled chemicals, medicines, or flammable liquids like gasoline immediately.
   • Fire Safety: Check chimneys for damage to prevent a fire risk. Unnoticed damage to chimneys can be a major fire hazard.

🔑 Earthquake Safety Tips

• Secure Your Home: Ensure that heavy furniture and appliances are anchored to prevent them from tipping over during a quake.
• Plan Ahead: Have an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio.
• Know How to Turn Off Utilities: Learn how to shut off water, gas, and electricity in case of damage.
• Prepare for Aftershocks: Aftershocks can happen minutes, hours, or even days after the initial quake. Stay alert and be ready to act quickly.

📌 Conclusion

While earthquakes cannot be predicted, preparation can greatly reduce your risk of injury or damage. Take time today to plan with your family, secure your home, and make sure everyone knows what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

For more earthquake preparedness resources, visit FEMA’s Earthquake Safety Page.

Stay safe, stay prepared!