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| Home > Hazard-Specific > Earthquakes > What
to Do Before an Earthquake |
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| What
to Do Before an Earthquake |
Prepare
Your Home
You can lessen the effects an earthquake can have on you and
your family by making your home a safer place. |
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Practice
Drills
During an earthquake, most deaths and injuries are caused by collapsing
building materials and heavy falling objects, such as bookcases,
cabinets, and heating units. Learn the safe spots in each room of
your home. If you have children, get the entire family to practice
going to these locations. Participating in an earthquake drill will
help children understand what to do in case you are not with them
during an earthquake.
Make
sure you and your child also understand
the school's emergency procedures for disasters.
This will help you coordinate where, when,
and how to reunite with your child after
an earthquake.
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During
your earthquake drill: |
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- Get
under a sturdy table or desk and
hold on to it.
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- If
you're not near a table or desk,
cover your face and head with your
arms and stand or crouch in a strongly
supported doorway.
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- If
you can’t get to a supported
doorway, brace yourself in an inside
corner of the house or building.
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- Stay
clear of windows or glass that
could shatter or objects that could
fall on you.
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- If
you are inside, stay inside. Many
people are injured at entrances
of buildings by falling debris.
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| Evacuation
Plans If an earthquake
occurs, you may need to evacuate a damaged
area afterward. By planning and practicing
for evacuation, you will be better prepared
to respond appropriately and efficiently
to signs of danger or to directions by
civil authorities.
Take
a few minutes with your family to discuss
a home evacuation plan. Sketch a floor
plan of your home; walk through each room
and discuss evacuation details.
Plan a second way to exit from each room or area, if possible.
If you need special equipment, such as a rope ladder, mark where
it is located. Mark where your emergency food, water, first aid
kits, and fire extinguishers are located. Mark where the utility
switches or valves are located so that they can be turned off.
Indicate the location of your family's emergency outdoor meeting
place.
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Establish
Priorities
Take time before an earthquake strikes to write an emergency
priority list. This list should include: |
- Important
items to be hand-carried by you.
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- Other
items, in order of importance to
you and your family.
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- Items
to be removed by car or truck if
one is available .
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- Things
to do if time permits, such as locking
doors and windows, turning off the
utilities, etc.
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Be
Responsible - Be Ready - Be Prepared
Your Emergency Preparedness Team
Kings County Fire Department - Office of Emergency Management
280 Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-3211, Ext. 2634
www.kingscountyoem.com |
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