An earthquake is the sudden release of energy when pieces of the earth's crust move against one another. A strong earthquake can cause substantial property damage and personal injury. In order to prepare for an earthquake, the following are some practical steps on Emergency Preparedness and survival plans for both the home and workplace environments.

A. Preparation

1. Key Training Topics
   • Earthquake Drills - How to protect yourself from falling objects, staying clear of "live" electrical sources, fire, caustic fumes, etc.
   • First Aid training and location of First Aid supplies, nearest medical treatment facility and Red Cross shelters.
   • How and where to shut off utilities (gas, water valves, circuit breakers).
   • Fire extinguishing equipment - location and usage.
   • Communication Network (name/telephone numbers of persons outside area for family/co-workers to call to report location/condition).
   • Location of emergency supplies/equipment (see attached listing of recommended equipment).
   • Teach children how and when to call 911, Police, Fire and how to make long distance calls.
2. Evacuation Plan
   • Designate floor wardens, trained in First Aid, evacuation routes, communication networking, liaison with Red Cross/medical treatment facilities, etc
   • Conduct earthquake drills (duck, cover, hold).
   • Conduct evacuation drills.
   • Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones.
3. Inspection of Home/Workplace
   • Secure water heater, refrigerator, tall and heavy furniture and file cabinets to wall studs. Other individual objects can be secured with heavy-duty velcro pads.
   • Store heavy items on lower shelves.
   • Secure cabinets with clips, latches or other locking devices.
   • Clean/repair chimney, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents.
   • Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances.
   • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
   • Isolate flammable materials - keep weed killers, pesticides away from heat sources.
   • Install protective lips around shelves and tables
   • Brace overhead light fixtures.
   • Move bed away from windows, mirrors, bookcases, and heavy pictures.
   • Repair wall, ceiling or foundation cracks.
   • Substitute ceramic hanging pots with plastic.
   • Keep a pair of rubber-soled or sturdy shoes next to your bed and a flashlight.

B. Protection During An Earthquake

Indoors (duck-cover-hold).

• Get under a table, desk, or bed or brace yourself in a strong doorway or interior wall away from windows, high furniture, and mirrors. Cover your head with your arms. DO NOT use elevators to evacuate, use stairs...DO NOT dash towards an exit, choose your exits carefully.

Outdoors

• Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines/poles, brick or block walls and other objects which could fall.

Automobile

• Stop and stay in the auto until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping near trees, power lines or under overpasses.

C. After An Earthquake

• Remain calm, put on heavy shoes to avoid injury.
• Check for injuries and apply first aid where needed.
• Check for fires and fire hazards.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off main gas valve, open windows and carefully leave the house. Do not turn lights on or off or light matches which could cause a spark. If in the workplace, the assigned floor warden or building maintenance should do this.
  • Note: DO NOT shut off gas unless an emergency exists. DO NOT turn gas back on yourself; wait until the Gas Co. has inspected it.
• If water leaks are suspected, turn off water at main valve.
• If damage to electrical system is suspected, turn off main circuit breaker or fuse box.
• If you are seriously injured, lie down in a safe area and rest until help arrives.
• DO NOT tie up the phone lines; use only for emergency calls. If your phone is out of order, ask someone who may have access to a working phone to let your family know you are safe.
• Listen for floor warden or building Public Announcement Communication instructions.
• Turn on radio and listen for advisories.
• DO NOT touch downed power lines or objects touched by downed power lines (including autos).
• Clean up harmful materials, debris (broken glass, spilled containers).
• Check sewer lines before using toilets.
• Inspect house, roof, and chimney for damage.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Open closets and cupboards carefully.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• If you must evacuate, cooperate with public safety officials. Post a message indicating where you can be found. Take with you medicines, first aid kit, flashlight, radio, batteries, important paper, cash, food, sleeping bags, blankets, and extra clothes. Make arrangements for pets.

D. Other Considerations

Emergency Supply List:

• Water
• Food
• First Aid
• Clothing/Bedding
• Tools
• Emergency Supplies

Storage Ideas:

• Large covered trash container
• Camping backpack
• Duffel bag
• Suitcase

Suggestions:

• Store kit in a convenient place known to all office/family members. Keep smaller kit in trunk of your
  car.
• Store items in airtight plastic bags.
• Change water supply every 3 months
• Rotate food items every 6 months.
• Replace batteries when needed.
• Store a weeks worth of current prescription medications. (Check expiration date for rotation of
  medications.)