Preparing for an Earthquake

One of the most important things you can do for an earthquake is to be prepared. Here are several steps that you can take to be prepared for an earthquake:

1. If you have a car, you can keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. The kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight with extra batteries, extra personal supplies (medications, glasses, etc.), sturdy shoes, a jacket or sweater, blanket, and water.
2. It would be useful to know basic first aid and to know how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
3. Establishing an out-of-area contact for your family members will allow you to contact your family members. During earthquakes, long distance telephone lines are usually the first lines to return to service.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Have you ever wondered what to do during an actual earthquake? Depending on where you are, it is important to be aware of your surroundings in order to remain safe. Here is a brief guide on how to take advantage of your surroundings during an earthquake:

Indoors:

• When a quake starts, you should drop down on the floor and take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. If you are seated in a lecture hall, between the rows of classroom seats. You should not rush for the exit.
• If you are in a hallway, drop to the floor and cover your head and neck. If you stand in a doorway, brace yourself against the frame and watch out for a swinging door and other debris. A doorway should only be used if it is in close proximity and is a strongly supported load bearing doorway. If no cover is near, duck and cover near an interior wall or corner of the building.
• You should try and stay away from overhead fixtures, windows and bookshelves that may fall over.
• It is a good idea to stay indoors until the shaking has stopped because most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling debris when entering or exiting buildings.
• You should check yourself and others around you for injuries. It is best to treat only life-threatening injuries immediately. Minor injuries should wait until after you have checked for secondary hazards. If you can, give first aid and protect those who are injured from aftershocks. There will be a first aid station set up at the north end of the quad in the event of a major earthquake. If the injured are able to walk, they should be helped to the first aid station.
• You should check the immediate work area for secondary hazards such as fires, spills or gas leaks. If you are unable to eliminate them, the best way to contain them is by closing doors. Small fires can be put out with fire extinguishers. Gas and electricity to appliances, hot plates, etc. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, you shou