Earthquake Safety More than 6,000 potentially damaging earthquakes are measured each year within the contingent United States, and not one area has been without some tremor during this century..

Some areas expect to be shaken while others are expected to be safe. Tremors can occur for reasons not related to earth shifts. A "Good" thunder clap, an airplane or helicopter, a heavy truck, an explosion nearby can all shake your home. Any one of these can knock things off the shelves, cause windows to break, scare people into panic.

Preparing for an earthquake, like all aspects of safety preparedness, starts with the individual. Everyone should be taught to:

1. Be Aware of one's surroundings. How can I get out? What can I duck under in a second? What does not look safe?
2. Take the initiative to fix hazards. Take down thinks that rattle. Heavy items should be on lower shelves. Any shelf which leans out from a wall is unsafe. Report unsafe conditions to (store, building, school, etc.,) management. Learn First Aid
3. Protect valuable breakables. Display small items in strong hangers on placed on concave holders¹. Larger items should not be top-heavy².
4. Design and build quake resistance into any remodeling, repair, or new building job.
5. Develop home, neighborhood, workplace and community 's plans. Hold practice drills, test communications. Involve those around you (you may need to depend on them) and collect their input. Incorporate this into action plans.

There are a few, inexpensive things you may do to make your home more secure from earthquake damage:

• Survey your own home. Look for the small structural changes you can do.
• Bolt Your Foundation. Walls should be firmly attached so that they don't slide off the foundation.
• Reinforce Walls with Plywood. Provide more lateral support so that they won't flex to one side.
• Strap Your Water Heater, furnace and air conditioning units.

You and your community would do well by establishing a preparedness plan such as Yerba Buena Neighborhood Earthquake Plan. The time spent reading it will open many minds.

From The State of Kentucky comes the following information:

1. Before the Earthquake:
   • Meet and discuss with your family and co-workers:
   • Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
   • Identify safe places in each room.
     • Away from where glass could shatter.
     • Away from windows, mirrors, pictures.
     • Away from bookcases or furniture which might fall over.
   • Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.
   • Check for hazards in the home.
   • Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that separated family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and condition.
   • Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls.
   • Know the danger spots: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
   • Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
   • Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself in safe locations.
   • Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local Red Cross chapter or other community organization.
   • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
   • Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. (Safety note: Do not attempt to re-light gas pilot. Call the utility company)
   • Check chimneys, roofs, walls, foundations for stability Make sure your house is bolted to its foundation.
   • Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.
   • Keep breakables and heavy objects on bottom shelves.
   • Secure hanging plants and heavy picture frames or mirrors (especially over beds).
   • Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.
   • Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.
   • Maintain emergency food, water and other supplies, including a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit and clothing.
2. During an Earthquake:
   • If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table or stand in a corner.
   • If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
   • If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use elevators.
   • If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside until shaking is over.
   • If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
3. After and Earthquake:
   • Check for injuries. Apply first aid.
   • Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger.
   • Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury or fire.
   • Hunt for hazards.
   • Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn utility off at the source.
   • Check building for cracks and damage, including roof, chimneys and foundation.
   • Check food and water supplies. Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned vegetables.
   • Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. Cooperate fully with public safety officials.
   • Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
   • Be prepared for aftershocks.
   • Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
   • If you evacuate, post a message inside your home telling family members where you can be found.

• People with Special Needs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Earthquake Information Network
• Virtual Earthquake is an interactive Web-based teaching program.
• American Red Cross - Earthquakes
• Learn2 Prepare for an Earthquake
• Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) has recommended provisions for new buildings and structures.
• ABAG's Kid Zone answers questions
• Techniques for Mitigating Earthquake Hazards suggests STRUCTURAL measures for your building, NONSTRUCTURAL such as bolting bookcases to walls, and PREPAREDNESS such as taking first aid classes, and having a 5 day supply of food and water
• 1,200 Earthquake Links
• The EQE Earthquake Home Preparedness Guide
• Seismic Disaster Planning: by Elisabeth Cornu and Lesley Bone has preventive and repair information.

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