Being Prepared for Earthquakes

There are several items you should have on hand if you live in an area where earthquakes are likely. You might want to keep them together so they will be easily accessible if you need to leave your house suddenly. Be sure to check here for complete information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Also know what to do during an earthquake. FEMA for Kids has a good kid friendly site and tips on being prepared.

Before an earthquake prepare a kit with:

  1. A fire extinguisherGood supply of medications that anyone in your family needs
  2. A crescent and/or pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies in case of leaks
  3. A first-aid kit and handbook - know how to use everything before you need it
  4. Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries
  5. Portable radio with extra batteries
  6. Water for each family member for at least 3 days allowing at least 1 gallon per person per day and some way to purify water that may not be safe such as purification tablets
  7. Enough canned and package foods for several days and a non-electric can opener plus extra food for pets if you have any
  8. Camp stove for cooking on outdoors (be sure to keep fuel away from children)
  9. Waterproof, heavy-duty plastic bags for trash

What to do during an earthquake:

  1. If you are inside your house get under a table and get away from glass and heavy furniture that could fall over.
  2. When you are outside stay away from buildings, electricity wires and anything that could fall on you.
  3. If you are where there are a lot of people don`t rush out. All the people will be doing that but that is not the right thing to do. What you should do instead is get under something strong and stay away from things that could be knocked over.
  4. Aftershocks are things that follow earthquakes and they can be dangerous because they can knock down already damaged buildings. Make sure buildings are safe before you go back in.
  5. If you smell gas or hear a gas sound get out of your building. It may be the gas line is broken and there is a danger of a gas explosion.
  6. Wear shoes because there might be glass.
  7. If you are scared tell your parent.

Recursos:
USGS Earthquake Hazard Program FAQ
Image courtesy FEMA for Kids (no copyright)
Disaster Supply Kit - FEMA for Kids

Additional information can be found at the following sites:
Earthquake Safety - FEMA
Protecting your Pets
Helping your Kids
Page by: Jaquelin