Earthquakes

An earthquake plan can save you time and money in the event of a catastrophe
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 100 damage-causing earthquakes happen every year throughout the world. A low-magnitude earthquake can shake household items off their shelves, but a high-magnitude force can collapse buildings for miles.

Scientists cannot predict when an earthquake will occur, but you can create an earthquake plan to help protect your family and your home from disaster in the event of one.

For your home
Experts agree that structures built to meet or exceed current model building codes have a much better chance of surviving an earthquake. Consider working with an architect, engineer or a licensed building contractor to make some of these changes:

Add anchor bolts or steel plates between your home and its foundation
Brace the inside of your home’s cripple wall (the short wood-stud wall between the top of the foundation wall and the first floor) with sheathing
Brace loose chimneys, masonry, concrete walls and foundations
Anchor large items such as appliances, bookcases and water heaters to nearby walls using safety cables or straps. Lock the rollers of any large appliances or pieces of furniture.
Install ledge barriers on shelves, and place heavy items on lower shelves.
Apply safety film to windows and glass doors.
Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and/or a breakaway gas shut-off device, or install a main gas shut-off device. (Check your local building codes to determine whether you may install flexible connectors yourself or whether a professional must install them.)
During an earthquake
When an earthquake strikes, your safety depends on staying calm and reacting quickly. Remember,

Don't panic.
If you're indoors, stay there. Move away from windows, skylights, doors and objects that could fall. Look for a sturdy item such as a table or desk to get under. Stay put until the shaking stops.
Be aware that the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
Don't use elevators.
If you're outside, move quickly and safely into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings. Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.
If you're driving, carefully and slowly bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road away from traffic. Don't stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs that might fall. Once the shaking has stopped, you can continue driving, but watch carefully for damage to the roadway.
After an earthquake
You still may be in danger once the shaking stops. The aftermath of an earthquake can include building collapse, landslides, floods and fire.

If you're trapped under debris:

Cover your mouth with a piece of clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so emergency rescuers can find you. If you yell, you may inhale large amounts of dust.
Don't light a match or lighter.
Don't move about or kick up dust.
If you're in your home:

Check for gas or water leaks and electrical shorts, and turn off damaged utilities. Don't try to turn them back on yourself. Have the fire department or gas and electric companies turn the utilities back on once the area is secure.
Obey evacuation orders from local authorities.
Only use a telephone for emergency calls.
Be prepared for aftershocks.
This earthquake preparedness information is meant to help you make decisions that may reduce your risk. Of course, we can't note every possible risk, and we can't guarantee that these tips will work for you. However, we hope that if you use some of them, you'll better protect your family and yourself.