How to Prepare for an Earthquake

Would you know what to do if disaster struck? Statistics show that 37% of americans are unprepared for an Earthquake. Although majority of schools and places of employment conduct earthquake drills yearly, these drills don't include earthquake readiness information for the home. This how to article will cover topics such as, what to do during an earthquake, what to do after an earthquake, and how to prepare your home if disaster strikes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Emergency Kit of food, water, and supplies.
• Plan of action.

1. 
   Emerency Kit

   Prepare an emergency kit of food, water and supplies. Supplies to include a first aid kit with needed medicine, band-aids, bandages, and anti-bacteria creams such as Neosporin. In addition to supplies, insure you have plenty of flashlights, batteries, battery operated radio, clothing, and money. Store this emergency kit in an easily accessible place such as a Tupperware tote.

2. As a family, conduct a plan of action. Identify the safety spots within each room. These places usually include under sturdy tables and in open doorways which have no doors. Also, identify the danger spots such as windows, mirrors, and unsecured furniture.
   Decide where you and your family will meet after the earthquake has hit. Once all needed information is in place, conduct a safety drill to insure everyone understands what to do during the real thing.

3. 

   During an earthquake. If inside, stay inside. Get under a sturdy table or under door less doorways. If outside, get in an open area away from power lines and trees. If driving, pull over and stop. Wait for all shaking to stop before preceding .

4. Following an earthquake, meet up with your family and make sure everyone is okay. Check for damages around your house. Listen to the radio for an emergency announcements. Stay calm and be prepared for aftershocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay calm and don't panic!
• Devise a plan that everyone can follow.
• Know the safe spots in every room of your house.
• Know the danger spots in every room of your house.
• Always have an emergency kit prepared.

[laurafarrar]

on 10/3/2008 Excellent tips, thanks.

[amylaine]

on 5/6/2008 Great info.