Earthquake Safety Precautions

Earthquakes can be devastating disasters, but everyone who takes

appropriate earthquake safety precautions can minimize damages,
injuries, and other potential quake concerns. It can help to have
valuable tips on ways to keep your family safe before, during and after
a quake.

Taking Earthquake Precautions

There is no effective warning system for earthquakes, which makes preliminary
precautions even more critical. At the same time, knowing how to behave when a
quake strikes and what to do after the event is just as important to staying safe.

Before an Earthquake
There are many things families and individuals can do to prepare for an
earthquake, including the following:

 Install latches on cupboard doors to prevent them from opening during a

quake.
 Use non-skid shelf liners for kitchen and bathroom cupboards, medicine
cabinets, and closet shelves.
 Store heavy items or glassware in lower cabinets so they do not become
dangerous projectiles.
 Update home insurance policies to adequately cover building costs,
possession replacement, and injury deductibles.
 Secure large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners,
and other bulky items with straps, bolts, and other stabilizing methods.
 Be sure both old and new buildings meet earthquake construction
requirements.
 Do not put heavy artwork, mirrors, or shelves over beds.
 Firmly secure bookcases, artwork, mounted televisions and other objects to
withstand as much shaking as possible.
 Take clear photos of valuables as a record for insurance purposes.
 Prepare an earthquake emergency kit with non-perishable food, bottled
water, copies of important documents (birth certificates, prescriptions,
insurance papers, etc.), flashlights, first aid materials, blankets, spare glasses,
 and other essential items and store it where it will be easily accessible in case
of a quake.
 Keep cell phones charged and replace emergency kit supplies as necessary to
keep them usable.
 Plan alternative commuting routes in case an earthquake damages roads.
 Set up a family meeting location in a safe area.
 Teach all family members basic first aid, how to behave during a quake, and
what to do after a quake.

During an Earthquake
Earthquakes can last just a few seconds or as long as several minutes, and
knowing how to react during the quake can help prevent injuries:

 Immediately seek a safe location such as in a doorway (if you live in an old,
adobe house that is not reinforced), beneath a table or desk, or along an
interior wall away from windows or hazardous objects.
 Cover the back of your head and your eyes to minimize injury from flying
debris.
 Do not take elevators during an earthquake.
 If cooking, turn off heating elements immediately.
 If outdoors, stay in open areas away from buildings, power lines, trees, and
other potential hazards.
 If driving, stop quickly but safely and stay in the vehicle. Do not stop near
power lines, bridges, overpasses, or other potentially dangerous locations.
 Stay calm and brace yourself to keep your balance, sitting if possible.

After an Earthquake
Quick thinking after an earthquake hits can minimize immediate dangers. Proper
earthquake safety precautions after a tremor include the following:

 Be prepared for aftershocks, which may be stronger than the initial jolt.
 Tend injuries immediately and summon emergency assistance if necessary.
 Check for structural damage, but do not enter a building that shows damage
or has visible cracks in the walls or foundation.
 Wear shoes always to avoid stepping on broken glass.
 Turn off gas, electricity, and water if damage is suspected or if advised to do
so by authorities.
 Be cautious opening cabinets, cupboards, and closets in case items may be
poised to fall.
 Keep phone lines clear for emergency use.
 Be patient: It may take hours or days to restore all services depending on the
severity of the quake.