Earthquake Safety

Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best

Earthquakes can happen anywhere, anytime.

Earthquakes are a serious hazard that can cause widespread damage and loss of life. While there is no way to prevent earthquakes from happening, there are steps you can take to prepare for them and reduce your risk of injury or damage.

The most important thing you can do to prepare for an earthquake is to create an earthquake preparedness plan. This plan should include the following elements:

• A list of emergency contacts
• A plan for where you will meet your family if you are separated
• A list of emergency supplies, such as food, water, and first aid
• Instructions on how to turn off gas and electricity
• A plan for what you will do if you are caught in an earthquake

In addition to creating an earthquake preparedness plan, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of injury or damage in an earthquake.

These include:

• Securing heavy objects, such as bookcases and appliances
• Reinforcing your home's structure
• Installing earthquake-resistant features, such as gas shut-off valves and flexible gas lines

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you and your family are prepared for an earthquake.