Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Before the earthquake:

1. Be prepared to be on your own for at least 3 days (3 Days, 3 Ways). Prepare at least a 3-day disaster supply kit that contains the following materials:

   • Store one gallon of water per person per day (3 day minimum).
   • Non-perishable food for each person (foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation) and rotate the food supply every 6 months.
   • Keep a 7-day supply of vital medications on hand at all times.
   • First aid kit, including bandages, scissors, latex gloves, sterile pads, sterile roll bandages, tweezers, petroleum jelly, cleansing agents, antiseptic ointment or spray, ACE bandages and first aid booklet.
   • Toilet paper, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags and ties, infant supplies, soap, and personal hygiene items.
   • Unscented household bleach to purify water.
   • Tools and supplies, including paper plates, plastic utensils, small amount of cash, fire extinguisher, pliers, compass, aluminum foil, flares, wrench to shut off utilities, flashlight, extra batteries, nonelectric can opener, matches, pencil and paper, whistle, shelter tarps, dust mask and work gloves.
   • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries. A NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert is optional, but very important.
   • Include bedding and at least one complete change of clothing and footwear for all household members.
   • Keep important family documents in a waterproof container in your home, and keep copies in your disaster kit: Wills, insurance policies, deeds, stock certificates, bonds, bank account numbers, passports, social security cards, immunization records, credit card numbers, and birth, marriage and death certificates.
   • Extra food, drinking water, supplies and medicines for your pets.
   • Maintain and know how to use a fire extinguisher

2. Have a personal and family emergency response plan:

   • Meet with your family and in your workplace and prepare disaster plans.
   • Keep your disaster plan in a convenient place and make certain everyone knows its location.
   • Practice and update your plans every six months.
   • Discuss what to do during an earthquake.
   • Identify safe spots within your home and workplace.
   • Identify at least two escape routes from each room.
   • Pick two meeting places. One outside of the building and one outside of the neighborhood in case you can’t return.
   • Ask a friend or relative located out of state to be your phone contact in case local phone lines are down.
   • Show everyone how and when to shut off water, gas, sewer and electricity.
   • Contact your local Emergency Management Office for additional information concerning disaster preparedness.

3. Know how to turn off utilities.
   When disaster strikes, it often affects one or more of the utility systems (water, sewer, natural gas and electricity) in your home. It is important to know where the main controls are located and when and how to turn them off.  It is best to learn and practice these things before disaster strikes.

4. Prepare your home (see FEMA What to Do Before an Earthquake?)
5. Work together with your neighbors with the Map Your Neighborhood program
6. Determine whether your workplace is retrofitted for earthquakes and has an earthquake preparedness plan
7. Determine whether your child’s kindergarten, school or daycare facility is retrofitted for an earthquake and if the care providers are trained for an earthquake

During an earthquake
When you feel the ground shake:

• If you are indoors: DROP, COVER and HOLD.
  • DROP onto your hands and knees to protect you from falling or getting knocked off your feet from the shaking.
  • COVER your head and neck by getting under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter close by, you should get down near an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
  • HOLD on to your head and neck until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move to your shelter.
• If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings, power lines and trees.
• If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. Avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines or signs if possible. 
• If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

For more information, see FEMA’s: What to do During an Earthquake.

After an earthquake

• Expect aftershocks. Most of these are smaller than the main earthquake. Some may be large enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.
• If you are at the beach. Move to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops. (FEMA Tsunami information)
• Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.
• Check your telephone. Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones off the hook tie up the telephone network. Use only in the event of a life-threatening emergency
• Notify your out-of-area contact to check in. Cell phones may not be able to place calls but may be able to send text messages. 
• Check utilities
  • Water:  Conserve water by turning off water at the main meter or at the water main leading into the house to prevent contaminated water from entering your water heater and plumbing.
  • Natural Gas:Shut off gas if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise and evacuate immediately. Let the gas company turn the gas back on. Do not use matches, lighters, open flame appliances, or operate electrical switches. Sparks can ignite gas causing an explosion. Learn how to turn off the gas supply to your house:
    • Propane video
    • Natural Gas: PDF format / Video format
  • Sewer: Make sure your sewer system is functioning properly before using it. This will prevent the contamination of your home and drinking water supply.
  • Electricity: Turn off the electrical power system at your main electrical switch or fuse panel.
• Be aware of other potential hazards.
  • Downed or damaged utility lines. Stay away from downed lines, even if power appears to be off.
  • Fallen objects in closets and cupboards. Displaced objects may fall when you open the door.
  • Downed or damaged chimneys. Approach chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.
  • Potentially harmful materials and/or medicines may have spilled.
• Listen to the radio. Radios are your best source of damage reports and other information. Search the radio dial for Emergency Broadcast Stations near you which are on the air and able to give information

For more information see FEMA: What To Do After An Earthquake?