Earthquake Preparation

(The following information provided by the NC Division of Emergency Management)

Prior Planning

Earthquakes can be a frightening experience.  However, while you cannot accurately predict an earthquake before it happens, by preparing in advance North Carolinian families can survive the quake without danger.  Prior planning and practicing on what to do before the quake will make you and your family react correctly when the first shaking begins.  Most casualties result from falling objects and debris.  Shocks can shake, damage, or even demolish buildings.  Since most earthquake injuries occur through the collapse of buildings, flying glass, falling furniture, fires from ruptured gas lines, electrical systems, broken chimneys, or drastic human actions resulting from fear, it is important to prepare yourself and your family in order to survive the quake.

Organize family earthquake drills.  Learn what to do and where to go for protection during an earthquake.  After the earthquake, under stand danger signs that could pose threats to safety of your family.

Family Earthquake Drills

1. Identify safe spots in each room
2. Beware of danger zones
3. Practice quick and safe actions
4. Discuss what to expect following a damaging earthquake
5. Be prepared to sustain your family for a minimum of 72 hours

Hazard Hunt

An earthquake home hazard hunt should begin with all the family members taking part.  Foresight, imagination, and common sense are all that is needed as you go from room to room, imagining what would happen if the earth and house started shaking.  Anything that can move, break, or fall when your house starts to shake is a potential hazard.

1. Look at floor-to-ceiling bookcases and furniture and understand where they might fall.  Make sure you stay away from these objects when the shaking starts.
2. Prevent heavy appliances from moving by blocking rollers.
3. Increase support to air conditioners, especially on rooftops.
4. Anchor heavy mirrors and pictures over beds, chairs, and couches.  Locate beds away from windows.
5. Use flexible connectors where gas lines meet appliances.

Always keep emergency supplies available.  Whether the disaster is an earthquake, hurricane, tornado or flood, each family should maintain and keep on hand basic emergency supplies.  A disaster can strike at any time, and the best thing is to be prepared.  These supplies should be checked periodically to ensure they are capable of being used.

Suggested Supplies:

Portable radio and extra batteries; flashlight and extra batteries; water (2 quarters per person and dried and canned food - 2 weeks' supply per person); 2 weeks' supply of medications; first aid kit and handbook; pipe and crescent wrenches; soap; toilet paper; smoke detectors; fire extinguisher; extra clothing, blankets and sleeping bags; personal items (including valid ID); and a large piece of plastic, use for ground cover.

To Reduce Your Risk from Seismic (Earthquake) Events:

There are many low-cost mitigation measures you can take to protect yourself, your home, and your property from losses. (Before you begin your work, make sure you will do it right and contact your local building official!)

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE . . . STAY COOL!

Duck . . . Cover . . . Hold

Whether at home, school, work, outside, or inside a high-rise building, you need to know how to protect yourself during an earthquake.

When the shaking first starts . . . DUCK or drop to the floor.

Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture.  If there is nothing available to take cover under, crouch against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.  STAY AWAY FROM DANGER SPOTS NEAR WINDOWS, HANGING OBJECTS, MIRRORS, OR ANYTHING THAT MIGHT FALL OVER.

If seeking cover under a piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it during the quake.

STAY WHERE YOU ARE UNTIL THE SHAKING STOPS AND IT IS SAFE TO MOVE. REMEMBER THERE MAY BE AFTER SHOCKS.

After the Earthquake

Remember, while an earthquake might only last a few seconds, there are often after-shocks that could be as strong as the earthquake occurring for days after the initial shaking.

Check for injuries.  Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless he or she is in immediate danger of further injury.

Do not enter partially collapsed or damage buildings.

Avoid electrical wiring, indoors and out.  Shut off electrical power at the control box if there is any damage to your house wiring.

Check home for fire or fire hazards.

Turn off main gas valve if leak is suspected.  Call gas company to restore service.  REMEMBER:  Unlike hurricanes, and tornadoes, an earthquake can disrupt gas pipelines underground allowing gas to escape and collect in various areas.

Check to make sure water and sewage lines are intact before using sanitary facilities.

Use the telephone only for emergencies.

check with your neighbors to see if they need assistance.

Be prepared for aftershocks.  Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring weakened structures down.

Cooperate with all public safety officials.

Check your home for signs of structural damage.

If You Must Evacuate:

Post a message in clear view where you can be found.

List reunion points in case of family separation.  Such points may be the home of neighbors, friends, or relatives, a school or community center.

Take medicine and first aid kit, flashlight, radio, batteries, important papers, cash, food, sleeping bag, blankets, extra clothes and other important supplies.

*This information was provided by the NC Division of Emergency Management