What can i do to prepare for an earthquake?

Question

i live in california, where we are expecting a large earthquake soon.

Answer 1

Make sure nothing that can hurt you is near any doorways, they are most important during an earthquake, and stay near any doorway, (not the entrance to your house-door to hard and heavy.) just near maybe a bedroom door. And when You feel it start, run to the doorway, it is supposed to be the safest place in a home during an earthquake.

Answer 2

Fasten shelves securely to walls, and place heavy objects on lower shelves.

Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets.

Hang items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and anywhere people sit.

Brace hanging light fixtures.

Repair known defective electrical wiring and gas connections.

Strap your water heater to studs in the wall and bolt it to the floor.

Repair any large existing cracks in walls or foundations.

Store poisons such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as flammable liquids, on bottoms shelves of latched cabinets.

Identify safe places in each room (under sturdy furniture, against inside walls, away from glass).

Locate safe places outdoors (away from buildings, trees, electrical lines, and bridges).

Teach family members how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how to dial 911 in an emergency.

Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlight and extra batteries, battery operated radio, fist aid kit with manual, emergency food and drinking water, non electric can opener, cash, sturdy shoes).

Develop an emergency communications plan in case family members are separated.

During an earthquake (indoors)...

Take cover beneath a sturdy piece of furniture or against an indoor wall away from glass that might break.

Stay inside! The most dangerous thing you can do during an earthquake is to try to leave.

During an earthquake (outdoors)...

Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and overhead utility wires. Stay there until the shaking stops.

During an earthquake (in a moving vehicle)...

Try to find a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, and overhead wires.

Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.

Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Bridges and ramps may have been damaged during the shaking.

Dealing with pets...

The behavior of pets may change after an earthquake, and they may become aggressive or defensive.

Leash dogs or keep them in a fenced area.

Pets may not be allowed in emergency shelters, so prepare an emergency supply that includes a several day supply of dry pet food and a large water container.

After the earthquake...

Be prepared for aftershocks. They may cause additional damage for hours to months after the main shock.

Help injured or trapped persons within the limits of your abilities.

Listen to a battery operated radio or television for emergency information.

Check on the elderly and disabled, or children who may need special help.

Stay out of damaged buildings!

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Clean up spilled materials.

Open cabinet and closet doors cautiously.

Inspect chimneys for damage, and be extremely careful when lighting fires in fireplaces. Chimney damage may lead to fires.

Check utilities for damage. If you smell gas, turn off the gas and do not use electrical devices (including telephones). Stay away from broken electrical wires, and turn off the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If water pipes are damaged, do not use the toilet and avoid tap water for drinking. Use your emergency supply, and melt ice cubes for additional water.

Answer 3

YOU CAN TAKE THE ADVICE OF ANSWER # 1 OR DO WHAT I DID ------MOVE OUT OF CALIFORNIA .

Answer 4

When you feel the ground shake, go under the table.

Answer 5

When you think about preparing for an earthquake you have to realize that it is something that can happen at any time so you need to be ready for it at anytime. You don't have the advance notice that you have with a hurricane or other natural disaster that is about to happen. There are actions you can take before the earthquake to be able to deal with it, when the earthquake happens, during the earthquake and afterwards.