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Be Red Cross Ready
<br /> Earthquake Safety Checklist
<br /> An earthquake is a sudden,rapid Are you at increased risk from earthquakes?
<br /> shaking of the earth caused by the •Contact your local emergency management office,local American Red Cross
<br /> breaking and shifting of rock chapter,state geological survey or department of natural resources.
<br /> beneath the earth's surface. •Mobile homes and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk
<br /> Earthquakes strike suddenly, during an earthquake.
<br /> without warning,and they can •Buildings with foundations resting on landfill and other unstable soils are at
<br /> occur at any time of the year,day or increased risk of damage.
<br /> night.Forty-five states and
<br /> territories in the United States are Did you know?
<br /> t
<br /> to moderate to very high risks Doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure.During an earthquake,
<br /> earthquakes,and they are located in get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on.This will provide some protection
<br /> from falling objects that can injure you during an earthquake.
<br /> every region of the country.
<br /> How can I prepare? What should I do during an What do I do after an earthquake?
<br /> earthquake?
<br /> O Become aware of fire evacuation and If you are inside when the shaking O After an earthquake,the disaster may
<br /> earthquake plans for all of the buildings starts... continue.Expect and prepare for
<br /> you occupy regularly. potential aftershocks,landslides or even a
<br /> O Drop,cover and hold on.Move as little as
<br /> 711 Pick safe places in each room of your possible. tsunami.Tsunamis are often generated
<br /> home,workplace and/or school.A safe 711 by earthquakes.
<br /> place could be under a piece of furniture If you are r bed,stay there,curl p and 0 Each time you feel an aftershock,drop,
<br /> hold on.Protect your head with a pillow. cover and hold on.Aftershocks frequently
<br /> or against an interior wall away from q Y
<br /> windows,bookcases or tall furniture that 0 Stay away from windows to avoid being occur minutes,days,weeks and even
<br /> could fall on you. injured by shattered glass. months following an earthquake.
<br /> O Practice drop,cover and hold on in each O Stay indoors until the shaking stops and 0 Check yourself for injuries and get first
<br /> safe place.If you do not have sturdy you are sure it is safe to exit.If you must aid,if necessary,before helping injured or
<br /> furniture to hold on to,sit on the floor leave the building after the shaking stops, trapped persons.
<br /> next to an interior wall and cover your use stairs rather than an elevator in case O Put on long pants,a long-sleeved shirt,
<br /> head and neck with your arms. there are aftershocks,power outages or sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect
<br /> 71 Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each other damage. against injury from broken objects.
<br /> person's bed. 0 Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler 0 Look quickly for damage in and around
<br /> O Make sure your home is securely systems frequently go off in buildings your home and get everyone out if your
<br /> anchored to its foundation. during an earthquake,even if there is home is unsafe.
<br /> no fire. O Listen to a portable,battery-operated or
<br /> O Bolt and brace water heaters and gas If you are outside when the shaking hand-crank radio for updated emergency
<br /> appliances to wall studs. starts... information and instructions.
<br /> •Bolt bookcases,china cabinets and other 0 Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. 0 Check the telephones in your home or
<br /> tall furniture to wall studs. Stay there until the shaking stops(away workplace to see if you can get a dial tone.
<br /> O Hang heavy items,such as pictures and from buildings,power lines,trees, Make brief calls to report life-threatening
<br /> mirrors,away from beds,couches and streetlights). emergencies.
<br /> anywhere people sleep or sit. O Look for and extinguish small fires.Fire
<br /> 0 If you are in a vehicle,pull over to a clear
<br /> O Brace overhead light fixtures. location and stop.Avoid bridges, is the most common hazard after an
<br /> overpasses and power lines if possible. earthquake.
<br /> O Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened 0 Clean up spilled medications,bleach,
<br /> Large or heavy items should be closest to until the shaking stops.Then,drive gasoline or other flammable liquids
<br /> the floor. carefully,avoiding bridges and ramps that immediately.
<br /> O Learn how to shut off the gas valves in may have been damaged.
<br /> O Open closet and cabinet doors carefully as
<br /> your home and keep a wrench handy for 0 If a power line falls on your vehicle,do contents may have shifted.
<br /> that purpose. not get out.Wait for assistance.
<br /> 0 Help people who require special
<br /> •Learn about your area's seismic building O If you are in a mountainous area or near assistance,such as infants,children and
<br /> standards and land use codes before you unstable slopes or cliffs,be alert for the elderly or disabled.
<br /> begin new construction. falling rocks and other debris.Landslides
<br /> are often triggered by earthquakes. O Watch out for fallen power lines or broken
<br /> O Keep and maintain an emergency supplies gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.
<br /> kit in an easy-to-access location.
<br /> 0 Keep animals under your direct control.
<br /> 0 Stay out of damaged buildings.
<br /> 0 If you were away from home,return only
<br /> when authorities say it is safe to do so.
<br /> 9q Use extreme caution and examine walls,
<br /> Let Your Family Know You're Safe floors,doors,staircases and windows to
<br /> If your community experiences an earthquake,or any disaster,register on the American Red check for damage.
<br /> Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org to let your family and friend
<br /> know about your welfare.If you don't have Internet access,call 1-866-GET-INFO to regist 0 Be careful when driving after an earthquake
<br /> yourself and your family. and anticipate traffic light outages.
<br /> American For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness,visit RedCross.org.
<br /> Red Cross
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