Guidelines for Earthquake Readiness

Earthquake readiness is crucial if you live in populated areas, because they can cause damage to your property, and injury or death on a large scale. Every region is at risk, and therefore you need to know what to do to be prepared.

Anchor Furniture and Large Objects

Keeping things pinned down is important, so that furniture and other large and heavy objects don’t roll around in the room or fall, causing injury. Use fasteners and braces to secure items to the walls or floors. Bolt down heavy appliances such as your refrigerator or water heater. Anchor large fixtures on the ceilings, such as lights.

You can prepare in advance by anchoring furniture and large objects. You won’t get any warnings before an earthquake, and therefore it’s important to do the work now.

Practice Readiness Drills

Do you and your family know what do in an earthquake? These happen so suddenly, that you won’t have time to yell instructions. Prepare for earthquakes now by practicing what to do when one strikes. Your drill should include:

  • What rooms to run to
  • How to hide under a table that’s sturdy
  • Dropping to the ground, rolling against an inside wall and crouching in the corner, and covering your body
  • A warning to stay inside until it’s over

Don’t just know what to do. Schedule time quarterly or monthly to practice what you’ll do if there’s an earthquake.

Store Food and Water

It may take a while for things to return to normal after a severe earthquake. You don’t want to be stuck waiting for food and water. Store what you need ahead of time to last you two or more weeks after an earthquake. This includes:

  • Water
  • Canned food
  • Long-term canned food (#10 cans)
  • Ready-to-eat meals or MREs
  • Energy food bars
  • Vitamins and supplements

It may become necessary to stay home during the aftermath of the earthquake, and therefore store extra food and water for you and your family, and even neighbors.

Shut off Gas and Water

You’ll need a quick and easy way to shut off your water and gas immediately after the earthquake. Consider buying an emergency gas and water shut-off tool that you can use to cut off your utilities. You can fit one in your emergency survival kit.

Learn CPR and First Aid

Earthquakes can cause injury, so it’s important to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as part of earthquake readiness. You can help save the lives of your family members and neighbors while awaiting (or getting to) medical help. You should also learn basic first aid techniques. Check your local newspapers for announcements of free or low-cost classes to take in the near future. You can use your knowledge to prepare for any disaster you might find yourself in, including earthquakes.

Follow these guidelines for earthquake readiness, and you won’t get caught off guard. Your family can remain safe, and have the right supplies (and know-how) while you wait for things to return to normal.