Earthquake Preparedness: Building Resilience for a Safer

Tomorrow
Earthquakes are natural disasters that can strike earthquake building codes if you live in a high-
without warning, leaving devastation in their risk area.
wake. To protect ourselves, our families, and our
During an earthquake, knowing how to protect
communities, it's crucial to be prepared.
yourself is crucial. The "Drop, Cover, and Hold
Earthquake preparedness is not just about
On" technique is recommended by experts.
reacting in the moment but involves a proactive
When the ground starts shaking, drop to the
approach that can mitigate the impact of these
ground to prevent being knocked over, take
seismic events.
cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against
Before delving into earthquake preparedness, it's an interior wall to protect yourself from falling
essential to understand the risk in your region. objects, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world,
In addition to personal preparedness, engage
but some areas are more prone to seismic
with your local community to build earthquake
activity than others. Geological surveys,
resilience. Participate in emergency drills, attend
historical data, and seismic hazard maps can
preparedness workshops, and get involved in
help you assess the likelihood and magnitude of
neighborhood disaster response teams. Working
earthquakes in your area.
together can make a significant difference in the
One of the first steps in earthquake preparedness aftermath of an earthquake.
is creating an emergency kit. This kit should
Earthquake preparedness is an ongoing effort
contain essential supplies that can sustain you
that demands attention and dedication. By
and your family for at least three days. Items
understanding the risks, assembling emergency
like non-perishable food, water, flashlights,
kits, creating a family communication plan,
batteries, a first-aid kit, a multi-tool, and
securing your home, and practicing safety
important documents should be included.
measures, you can greatly increase your chances
Customize your kit to meet your specific needs,
of staying safe when an earthquake strikes.
taking into consideration any medical
Additionally, community involvement and
requirements, pet supplies, or infant necessities.
cooperation can make your neighborhood more
Establish a family communication plan to ensure resilient and better equipped to handle the
that everyone knows how to contact each other challenges that seismic events bring. Being
in case of separation during an earthquake. prepared today can lead to a safer and more
Identify a meeting place outside your home and secure tomorrow for you and your loved ones.
outside your neighborhood, and make sure every
family member has a list of emergency contacts.
Teach your children how to use the plan and
practice it regularly to ensure everyone knows
what to do.
An integral part of earthquake preparedness is
securing your home. Simple measures like
anchoring heavy furniture and appliances,
installing latches on cabinet doors to prevent
items from falling, and securing valuable or
breakable objects can significantly reduce the
October 21,
risk2023
of injury and damage. Additionally,
consider retrofitting your home to meet modern