How to Prepare for an Earthquake
An earthquake may range from being a slight, barely noticeable tremor to being a ground-breaking disaster that destroys buildings. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, being prepared is a high priority. Preparing for an earthquake allows you to weather this natural disaster safely and to protect your family and your property as you do so.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Fireproof safe
- Water
- Canned food
- Can opener
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Battery-operated radio
- Batteries
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1
Run earthquake drills. During an earthquake, get away from any glass doors or windows and get under a sturdy desk or table, hanging on to the legs tightly. If you cannot get to a desk or table, crouch in a strong doorway or brace yourself in a inside corner of the house while covering your face and head with your arms. Drilling helps you remember this behavior during a real emergency.
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2
Place important documents and valuables in a fireproof safe. This includes wills, insurance polices, Social Security cards and deeds.
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3
Compose a list of emergency numbers, including the fire department, the police department, the power company and the gas company and keep it in an accessible location.
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4
Make a household inventory of your valuables. Make a pencil and paper list and put it in a fireproof safe or make a digital list and keep it online with a data storage service.
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5
Photograph your rooms and any high-end items such as collectibles and jewelry. This provides the insurance company with documentation.
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6
Store enough canned food and bottled water to last for three days in your home.
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7
Assemble an earthquake emergency kit composed of a can opener, flashlight, first-aid kit, batteries, a battery operated radio and utensils and make sure that everyone in your family knows where it is.
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References
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