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How to Prepare for an Earthquake: Prepare Before an Earthquake

In this article, we will try to give you some steps to how to prepare for an earthquake in advance, during and after. Living in an earthquake zone makes it even more important to be prepared and informed. There are steps you can take to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe and to try to minimize the risk of injury, damage, or loss after an earthquake.

The first step, and we believe it is the most important, is how to prepare in advance for an earthquake. Once a hit is not the time to prepare, it becomes something you have to deal with. Preparing ahead of time gives you peace of mind, less anxiety if one hits, and the right supplies for you and your loved ones if needed.

How to prepare for an earthquake in advance

Before an earthquake, here are some ideas you can do and consider:

  • Have a survival kit for everyone in your household. Everyone in your household should know where they are kept.
  • Have water stored in case the water supply is at risk. A box of Datrex water bags is great for this because they have a shelf life of 5 years! They recommend three gallons of water per person.
  • Have extra food that is easily accessible and easily prepared in the event of a power outage. It’s good to have Datrex food bars on hand. They also have a shelf life of 5 years.
  • Have a battery-operated radio and a flashlight with extra batteries. Keep a flashlight or light sticks and a sturdy pair of shoes by your bedside.
  • Attach shelves, bookcases, mirrors, and tapestries to the walls. (at Home Depot or Lowe’s try Quake putty)
  • Secure televisions and other electronic devices with flexible nylon straps. (at Home Depot or Lowe’s)
  • Secure your collectibles and breakables with Quake Putty (at Home Depot or Lowe’s)
  • Strap your water heater, refrigerator, water dispensers and oven with straps (at Home Depot or Lowe’s)
  • Learn and teach everyone in your family where and how to turn off gas, water, and electricity. If you don’t have the proper tools to do this, Simple Safety sells this tool. Remember that you need a professional to turn the gas back on.
  • Install flexible pipe fittings to prevent water or gas leakage.
  • Create your own disaster preparedness plan for your family. Include the phone number of an out-of-state family member or friend as the contact person in case you separate. Pick a room or place to reconnect after an earthquake.
  • Don’t forget your pet! They will also need supplies. It is recommended not to hold them during an earthquake, they could become aggressive. They say that an animal will naturally take refuge.
  • Inform babysitters and caregivers of your family plan.
  • PRACTICE THE PLAN in how to prepare before an earthquake. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PROPER PLAN FOR HOME, WORK AND SCHOOL OR IN THE BETWEEN! THEN PRACTICE AGAIN.

During an earthquake, consider and practice:

  • You should know by now where is the safe place in your house or room where you are: drop to the floor under a very sturdy desk or behind something very sturdy (like a sofa?) That can support the weight of anything you fall on you. This should not be next to an exterior wall, windows, or doors. Hold on until it’s over.
  • DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON !! Practice with the children a couple of times a year.
  • If you are in bed, lie on the floor with the pillow over your head.
  • Stay away from buildings, streetlights, and power lines if you are outside when it happens.
  • DO NOT GO NEAR POWER LINES.
  • If you are in your car, stop in a clear area as soon as possible and stay inside the vehicle.
  • If you are outdoors, find a clear area away from trees, buildings, and power lines.
  • If you get caught under debris, try not to kick up a lot of dust, and if you are near pipes, hit them.

After an earthquake, consider and practice:

  • Check yourself for injuries and then check others. Provide first aid for any injuries if necessary. Protect yourself and your family members by wearing long pants, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
  • Avoid elevators.
  • You already know where the extinguisher is (right?), So put out the little fires you find.
  • Shut off and gas (you know where that is, right? You know where the tool is, right?)
  • Open cabinets carefully as items move and could fall and injure you.
  • Text rather than call, more likely to complete!
  • Inspect your home for damage. Take everyone out if you think it is unsafe.
  • Check up on neighbors and friends.
  • Expect aftershocks! Remember TO LET, COVER, AND HOLD ON every time you feel one. These can be as dangerous as an earthquake itself.

Remember, an earthquake can strike at any time without warning. With the preparation and practice that you and your family do, you can prevent injury or even death during an earthquake. Be equipped in how to prepare for an earthquake YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

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