California has more earthquakes than almost any other state.  While the majority of these are minor and pose little threat, larger earthquakes can cause severe injury and extensive property damage.

As with any disaster, the best way to cope with an earthquake is to make preparations in advance.  With a comparatively short amount of time spent planning, you can rest assured knowing you have done everything you can to prepare and your family is equipped to deal with the unexpected.

The best time to think about what will happen during an earthquake is before it strikes!   If you follow just a few simple steps now, you have a better chance of being prepared should a disaster occur in the future.

Make a Plan

Planning for an earthquake can seem overwhelming.  However, simply writing down key information you might need and coming up with answers to important questions will go a long way toward putting your mind at ease.  Consider the following problems faced by many when disaster strikes:

• Where will you meet your loved ones if your home is unavailable? 
• Who should your children trust if you cannot get to them? 
• How will you know where to go should you evacuate? 
• How can you prepare your home to minimize damage and injury?
• What should you bring with you? 
• What about insurance?
• How will you obtain medical care?

In the event of an emergency, answers to these questions will need to be automatic.  Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 and who to contact in the event of an earthquake or other emergency.  Practice evacuation from your home and the route you will travel to escape.  Prepare a portable disaster kit that you can take should you need to evacuate.  Fill out a downloadable “Family Disaster Plan” sheet and keep it with your emergency kit. 

Prepare your Family and Home for an Earthquake

1. Hazards abound in most homes!  Consider:
• Bolting your water heater to wall studs;
• Bolting bookcases to walls;
• Making sure all hanging plants and light fixtures are securely attached and will not come loose during shaking; and
• Contacting professionals familiar with structural (electrical, plumbing, or structural) changes you can make to further “earthquake-proof” your home.

2. Identify “safe places” in each room, and alert your family to them.  Look for:
• Sturdy desks or other furniture that you could take cover underneath; and
• An empty wall, away from windows or things that may fall on you.
3. The American Red Cross recommends that during an earthquake, children should be taught to “drop, cover and hold on.”
• Teach your children to stay low to the ground; find a way to get under shelter and hold on to it for safety.

Make or Buy a Disaster Kit—Your kit should be lightweight (without the food and water) and portable, and should contain the following:

1. Non-perishable Food and Water for Three Days: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Keep water in original, unopened containers. Replace items as they expire.
2. First Aid Kit—Assemble a kit for your home and one per car. It should include: bandages of various sizes; alcohol-based sanitizer or germicidal/antiseptic wipes; non-latex gloves; adhesive tape; anti-bacterial ointment; cold pack; small scissors; tweezers; CPR breathing barrier; and other items specific to your needs.
3. Tools and Supplies: Disposable plates, cups and utensils; battery operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries; utility knife; matches in a waterproof container; extra cash and coins; feminine products; glasses or contact lenses; maps with evacuation routes clearly marked; sturdy gloves; cloth face masks (for mold leftover when flood waters recede); sturdy plastic garbage bags to keep belongings dry; rolls of duct tape and plastic sheeting; a fire extinguisher; and household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant, or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water—do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners).
4. Clothing and Bedding: One complete change of clothing and footwear per person, along with blankets or sleeping bags.
5. Special Items: Some families have special needs, like for the elderly or young children. Remember: Keep important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, bank account numbers and credit card numbers in a waterproof, locking fire-box or other portable container. Also, make sure to stock up supplies for your pets.
   

Be Informed

• Safety
• Learn CPR—it could save a life; and
• Check your first-aid and disaster preparedness kits for expired supplies; and
• Know where to take cover in the event of an earthquake—it is different depending on whether you are at home, in a public building, or outside. 
• Know where to get information
• Know where to listen for announcements from local authorities on TV, local radio or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather stations or channels.
• Make a card with contacts for:
• Family members and trusted friends;
• Medical providers;
• Fire department;
• Poison Control;
• Police; and
• Local Office of Emergency Services.
• Insurance
• Purchase insurance if you do not have it already;
• Take pictures of your belongings; and
• Know your insurance agency’s contact info.

Plan to act Quickly

1. Find a spot to take cover

1. If you are outside, stay away from buildings, trees, or any other potential sources of falling debris or power lines.
2. If you are inside, do as the American Red Cross recommends and “Drop, Cover and Hold On!” 

2. Now is the time to implement your family disaster plan.
1. Review your completed “Family Disaster Plan” downloadable sheet;
2. Based on the information you have gathered from news, police, or informed family and friends, determine whether you and your loved ones should evacuate;
3. If you decide to evacuate (and you have time), leave your contact information and a sign saying you have evacuated on your front door.  This will enable local officials to contact you when the danger has passed and not waste critical time searching your home for disaster victims;
4. Get your prepared emergency kit and fire-box with important documents;
5. If you are separated from loved ones, meet at your designated gathering spot;
6. Get to safety; and
7. When you and your family are safe, help others.

When the Quake Stops: Safety and Normalcy

• After the earthquake has ended, evaluate yourself and those around you for any injuries that may need attention;
• Make sure the earthquake has not caused any gas leaks or small fires;
• Expect aftershocks;
• Inspect your home for damage - if it is unsafe get everyone inside to safety;
• If you have evacuated, make sure it is safe before you return to your home - contact local police, fire departments, or disaster relief agencies for information;
• Register as “Safe and Well” with the American Red Cross, so your family and friends will know your status and can obtain your contact information.  Utilize the Red Cross and local services to locate lost loved ones.  Visit the Red Cross for more information;
• Contact your insurance provider to make a claim for damaged property; and
• After life has returned to normal, evaluate what happened during this emergency for what worked well and what aspects you can learn from in preparing for the next disaster.

For further information on how to plan, prepare and stay informed about earthquakes, visit: Federal Emergency Management Agency or visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.