Earthquakes are very dangerous natural disasters. Besides predicting them, what can we do to prepare for earthquakes?

1. Make sure all objects in you home are fastened to the floor.
2. Repair any cracks in the ceiling.
3. Make sure young children know how to dial 911.
4. During the quake take cover under heavy furniture.
5. Stay inside during an earthquake to avoid falling objects.
6. Be careful when exiting your safe place, and watch out, because your pets might be defensive or aggressive.
7. Practice drills.
8. Move away from windows.

Volcano
Hurricane
Earthquake
Tornado

Things happen differently in different areas of the world. Earthquakes are similar in type, but the damages are different.

Strategies for preventing extreme damage:

• early warning systems
• building codes
• select areas that have solid ground (not wet or soft ground)

Construction is important as seen in the photo to the left.

• First Aid
• Mouth to Mouth resuscitation
• Fire extinguishing
• Breathing from special bags (avoid smoke)
• Learn to swim
• Duck and cover

• Use flexible steel frames and place deep into the ground
• Use solid foundations
• Build on stable land
• Build emergency stairways
• Fire-resistant materials