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Earthquakes can seriously damage buildings and their contents, disrupt public services and cause flash floods and landslides. Preparing for an earthquake is
Preparation Tips
- Develop an earthquake safety action plan for your family, identifying places that offers the highest amount of protection during an earthquake as well as an escape route and a meeting place.
- Teach family members how to shut off all utilities to the house, including water and electricity.
- Purchase at least one multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Prepare an emergency supplies kit which should include a three day supply of bottled water and food, as well as a manual can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, first-aid kit and battery operated radio with extra batteries.
- Install latches on kitchen cabinet doors to prevent items from falling.
Safety Tips
- At the first sign of an earthquake, drop and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an inside wall away from objects that may fall on you.
- Sit or stay close to the floor and hold on to furniture legs for balance.
- Use your arm to cover and protect your eyes.
- If there is no sturdy furniture nearby, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a strong wall away from windows, shelves or furniture that could fall, and place your hand on the floor for balance.
- Stay away from doorways, as violent motion could cause the doors to slam against your fingers or inflict other serious injuries.
- Do not run outside.
- If you are outside, quickly move into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
- If driving, bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road away from traffic.
- Do not stop on or under bridges, near or under power lines or road signs.
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