How to Survive an Earthquake

Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere. Wether you live around the Pacific Rim, or in the middle of the heartland of the US, you should be aware of how to act during and after an earthquake. Be prepared, and know what to do when the ground starts to shake.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water-2 quarts to 1 gallon per person, per day.
• First Aid Kit-ample, and freshly stocked.
• First Aid Manual-know how to use it.
• Food-canned or individually packaged;
• Critical medication, extra eyeglasses
• Can opener
• Blankets
• Radio-portable battery operated, spare batteries
• Critical medication and eyeglasses, contact cases and supplies
• Fire Extinguisher-dry chemical, type ABC
• Flashlight-spare batteries and bulbs
• Watch or clock-battery or spring wound.
• COOKING:
• Barbeque-use outdoors ONLY-charcoal and lighter, or Sterno stove
• Plastic bags-various sizes, sealable
• Pots-at least two
• Paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
• SANITATION:
• Large plastic trash bags-for trash, waste, water protection
• Ground cloth
• Large trash cans
• Hand soap, liquid detergent, shampoo
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
• Deodorant
• Feminine supplies
• Infant supplies
• Toilet paper
• Powdered chlorinated lime-disinfects sewage and keeps insects away.
• Newspapers-to wrap waste, garbage; may also be used for warmth.

1. 
   Family

   As with a hurricane, wild fire, or other natural disaster, you and your family should have a plan in place. What to do, where to go, who to contact. Know emergency telephone numbers (doctor, hospital, police, 911, etc) Also, you should have an emergency kit of supplies of fresh water, food, batteries, and a first aid kit etc. Your emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 72 hours (3 days). A 10-day supply of water, food, and medicine is recommended.

2. 
   Secure bookcases

   Preperation can start way before an signs of an earthquake. Anchor heavy objects such as bookcases, wall units, mirrors, cabinets, etc to the wall. Never place heavy objects over beds, and keep heavy objects lower than head height of shortest member of family.

3. 
   Classroom

   During an earthquake, stay calm. As part of your planning, you can teach your family keey words, and what to do should you shout these words. For example, "DUCK", means take cover under a table, or in a doorway. If you are in charge of a large group, such as a school teacher, teach this to the whole group.
   
   Stay away from windows, or glass dividers, trees (if you are outside), telephone polls, and exlectrical wires. If you are driving on the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses, stop in safe area and stay in your vehicle.

4. 
   Downed powerlines

   After an earthquake, check for any injuries and provide first aid where needed. Check for safety, i.e. check for gas leaks, water or sewage pipe breaks. Look for downed power lines and shorts and turn off the appropriate utilities.
   
   Check for building damage and potential problems during aftershocks. This may require going outside. Check the condition of the outside for fallen trees and power lines.
   
   Clean up dangerous spills.
   
   Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.
   
   Only use the telephone for emergencies.

Tips & Warnings

• All family members should know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity
• Precooked food should requiring minimum heat and water
• Remeber food for infants, pets, and other special dietary requirements
• Every family member should have heavy shoesand heavy gloves for cleaning debris
• Matches-dipped in wax and kept in waterproof container
• Garden hose can be used for siphoning and fire fighting
• Keep a complete change of dry clothes
• Use telephone for emergencies