How to Prepare for a Major Earthquake

Public services are often disrupted after a major quake.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about seven million earthquakes strike worldwide every year -- but fortunately, only about 1500 of these are of a magnitude of 5 or greater on the Richter scale. Certain areas, such as California and Japan, are more prone to earthquakes than others. Although the chance of being caught in "The Big One" is remote, it's wise to be prepared if you live in a region where earthquakes are common.

Things You'll Need

• Nonperishable food, including pet food
• Water, a gallon a day per person
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlights
• Portable radio
• Blankets
• Clothes and shoes
• Cash
• Medication
• A tool kit
• A barbecue or camp stove
• Medications
• First aid kit
• Personal hygiene products
• Candles
• Matches or lighter
• Whistle

Instructions

1. Educate your family about earthquakes before a big one strikes. For example, they need to know to take shelter in a doorway or under a sturdy object if indoors, and never to run outdoors if they are inside. If outside, they need to know to stay away from power lines and buildings where objects could fall.

2. Teach family members how to turn off gas or water lines or electrical power that may need to be shut off after a quake if severe damage occurs.

3. Develop a plan. Where will your family meet in the event of a disaster? What if some people are at work or school? How will you know they are safe? Where will you all meet up?

4. Pack a preparedness kit and keep it in a safe location. In a major earthquake, it's possible that you won't be able to get into your house. Keep supplies in your car trunk or an outside storage shed if possible. Pack whatever your family is likely to need, enough for three days to a week, including food, water, medication, first aid and personal hygiene supplies, a fire extinguisher, flashlights, a portable radio, blankets, clothes and shoes, cash, medication, a tool kit, a barbecue or camp stove, candles, matches or lighters, and a whistle.

5. Maintain your supplies. Make sure batteries are fresh and medicines are exchanged when they expire.

6. Secure furniture, such as heavy bookshelves, that could move around in a quake.

7. Consider earthquake insurance for your home if you live in an earthquake-prone area. Regular homeowner's insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information on planning visit the website of The Red Cross or FEMA.

• To see if an earthquake has occurred in your area visit the US Geological Survey at USGS.org

References

• USGS: Earthquake Facts and Statistics
• State of California Department of Conservation: What to Do in an Earthquake