Remain calm. The shaking usually lasts no more than a minute.
If inside, Stay inside……”DROP, COVER, and HOLD” Drop under sturdy furniture. Cover as much as your head and upper body as you can. Hold onto the furniture. I you can not get under sturdy furniture, move to an inside wall or archway and sit with your back to the wall, bring your knees to your chest and cover your head.
Stay away from mirrors and windows. Do not exit the building during the shaking.
If outdoors, Mover to an open area away from all structures, especially building, bridges, and overhead power lines.
If driving, Stop in an open area away from all structures especially bridges, overpasses, tunnels, and overhead power lines. Stay as low as possible inside the vehicle.
BEFORE
Develop a family emergency plan and practice it regularly. Identify an out of area phone contact person to call and check in with.
Choose a couple of family meeting places; pick easy to identify, open and accessible places that you can likely walk to.
Prepare to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days.
Assemble an emergency supply kit; include food, water, prescription medications and first aid supplies, a battery operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, shelter, clothing, sturdy shoes and personal toiletries.
Take an approved first aid course.
Quake proof your house by securing heavy furniture and objects.
An extra pair of glasses.
Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
Important Telephone numbers:
Police : 100 Fire : 101 Ambulance : 102 CATS : 1199
Move cautiously and check for unstable objects and other hazards above and around you.
Check yourself for injuries.
Help those around you and provide first aid, if you are qualified. Hang up all phones. Only use phones (including cell phones) if a life is at stake.
Inspect gas, water and electric lines. If there are leaks or if there is any doubt about leaks, shut off mains; evacuate immediately if you hear or smell gas and can’t shut it off. Report leaks to the authorities.Anticipate after shocks, especially if the shaking lasted longer than two minutes.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Listen to the radio or watch local TV for emergency information and additional safety instructions.
UTILITIES
Locate the main electric fuse box and water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut off valves.Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES:
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies kit with items you may need in an evacuation.
Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers, include:
A three day supply of water (4 liter per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
An extra set of car keys and or credit card, cash or traveler’s cheques.
Sanitation supplies & Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
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