Unlike hurricanes, earthquakes don’t come with a warning. Earthquakes strike instantly and they happen all over the world. Earthquakes are raging events that can cause enormous damage in a minute or less. The San Francisco quake of 1989 lasted for just ten seconds and did ten billion dollars worth of damage. The best way to prepare for an earthquake is to have the necessary supplies and to make your house earthquake safe.
First of all, it is recommended that you have at least 72 hours of supplies in case of an earthquake or other disaster. The easiest way is to buy a professional 72 hour emergency kit or you can prepare your own emergency kit.
Other things to have in your emergency survival kit:
A first aid kit
Instructions to turn off your utilities
All essential medications
Preparing your home for an earthquake
Eliminate hazards by moving heavy items to lower shelves and securing heavy furniture. Secure hanging items, such as mirrors and paintings and never hang things over beds.
Make sure that you water heater is secured properly to the wall studs. Your water heater weighs a couple hundred pounds and during an earthquake it could fall, breaking gas lines on the way down.
Verify that your home is bolted securely to the foundation. If your home is built before 1950 houses were not required to bolt to the foundation. Have a licensed contractor check.
Make sure that your chimney is securely braced. During an earthquake it can topple over end fall through the ceiling, becoming a major hazard.
During an Earthquake
Stay inside and away from falling objects and glass. Drop down and cover your head from falling debris.
If you are outside, stay away from power lines, glass windows, and large building. Move to a clear area.
After an earthquake:
Check for injuries on yourself and others and perform necessary first aid.
At this point emergency services and phone lines are overloaded, so only use the phone to report life threatening emergencies.
Shut off your utilities to prevent further damage to your home.
Put out small fires with your fire extinguisher. Remember, if you smell gas or think that it may be leaking. Evacuate your home immediately and shut off your utilities.
Expect aftershocks and be prepared to take cover when they occur.