Earthquake Checklist - Before the Quake

Most casualties result from partial building collapse, falling objects and debris (like toppling chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster and light fixtures). Taking a few steps to prepare can prevent many of these accidents. A brief survey of your home and office will indicate what hazards to fix. Follow these steps to reduce the hazards in your home:

1. Secure fixtures such as lights, cabinets, bookcases, and top-heavy objects to prevent moving, coming loose or falling during shaking. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves, securely fasten shelves to walls. Special care should be taken to remove hazardous objects from sleeping areas. Do not hang plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks.
2. Store bottled goods, glass, vases, china, and other breakables in low or closed cabinets and use nonskid padded matting, hold-fast putty or velcro whenever possible.
3. Check the electrical wiring and connections to gas appliances. Defective electrical wiring, leaking gas, or inflexible connections are very dangerous in the event of an earthquake.
4. Locate the master switch and shutoff valves for all utilities and teach all responsible family members how to turn them off. Your local utility company can show you how.
5. Prepare an office emergency kit.
6. Develop a family plan that addresses what to do if an earthquake occurs while family members are at home, school, or work. This plan should include a central meeting location for family members after the earthquake and an OUT OF AREA CONTACT PERSON so other family members can find out information concerning their loved ones in the disaster area. It is usually easier to call out of a disaster than it is to call into one.
7. Hold drills so each member of your family knows what to do in an earthquake.
8. Keep extra food on hand.
9. Ensure that your home is prepared; securely fasten the home to the foundation and secure your water heater to wall studs or to the floor. Use flexible gas lines to connect stoves, water heaters, etc. Always keep a pair of shoes by your bed when retiring.