Earthquake Preparedness
"Drop, Cover and Hold On"
Find out what you can do to stay safe during and after the next earthquake.
Before an Earthquake strikes:
- Prepare a disaster supply kit - at home, at work, and for your car;
- Secure bookcases, file cabinets, pictures, mirrors, etc. to walls. Include hot water heaters and other appliances;
- Know where to locate switches and how to turn off home electricity, heating oil/LP gas, and water;
- Develop a family plan for disasters;
- Practice earthquake safety drills;
- Be able to take care of yourself and your family for 7 to 14 days after a disaster, before emergency services may be able to reach you;
- Know basic first aid;
- Know emergency phone numbers;
- Know how to open and close an automatic garage door manually.
During an Earthquake
- Stay calm and stay where you are; if inside, stay inside; if outside, stay outside;
- If inside: DROP - COVER – HOLD ON Take cover under a heavy desk or against an inside wall away from glass and falling objects.
- If outside: Safely move to a clear area, away from buildings, signs, utility lines and trees. Sit on the ground; do not stand up.
- On the road: Stop in a safe area. Stay in your vehicle.
After an Earthquake
- Move immediately inland to higher ground • Do not wait for an official warning. Once out of the tsunami inundation zone:
- Listen to the radio for public safety instructions; listen to 91.9 KMUN, 100.1 FM KMXT, and NIXEL Community Message Center.
- Check for injuries and provide first aid.
- If you are in a safe zone, check for safety hazards: gas or water leaks, sewage breaks, downed power lines, etc.
- Check for any building damage & evacuate if dangerous.
- Properly clean-up spilled medicines, bleaches and other hazardous materials
- Phone lines should be kept as clear as possible for true emergency situations