October 15, 10:15 a.m.:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes! (See this page for what to do if you are in bed, outside, driving, in a tall building, or other situations.) See this page for what to do if you have a disability or an activity limitation.)
While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?
Finally, you can practice what you will do after the shaking stops.
What we do now, before the earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like after. The following are key actions from the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety which has additional things you can do to prepare.
Do a “hazard hunt” for items that might fall in your home during earthquakes and secure them.
Create a personal or family disaster-preparedness plan.
Plan for your family’s specific needs (seniors, disabled, children, pets).
Teach all household members how to use a fire extinguisher.
Create wallet cards for each family member with essential contact information.
Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits.
Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for 3 days and ideally for 2 weeks.
What else would you need to be on your own for up to 2 weeks?
What would you need if you are in your car or office when the earthquake strikes?
Identify your building’s weaknesses. Ask a local earthquake retrofitting contractor for a free structural inspection of your home or building. Also, review your insurance coverage, whether home-owner or renter. Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you.
Create a game where everyone responds to a signal by practicing Drop Cover and Hold On. Talk to your children about what to expect during and after an earthquake.
Enroll in a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to learn more about how to take care of yourself and your family when you are “on your own” after a disaster.
Provide non-English speaking members of your family, neighborhood or community with written information in their language.
