PREPARE FOR WHAT WILL HAPPEN

IF YOU ARE IN A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, REMEMBER . . .

1. Not only do breakable things break, the broken pieces and other objects fly off walls and shelves. So, during the shaking move away from windows, mirrors, shelves, and bookcases. Watch out for pictures flying off walls, and loose objects from the top of file cabinets. Cabinet doors may open and stored items spill out; bookcases may topple over if not anchored to a wall or the floor.

2. Large, heavy furniture gets moved. This means file cabinets, desks, televisions, couches, beds and other items you may not be able to move by yourself will shift position by a foot or more. Out-of-position furniture may actually block the pathway out of your office or residence.

3. Many offices have acoustical tile ceilings, and a major quake may shake some out of the ceiling. Fortunately, tiles are not very heavy when they fall. But usually a lot of dust has accumulated above the tiles and this dust will come down as well.

4. Telephone service may be interrupted.

5. Electricity may be lost. This means no lights, air conditioning, electric heating, and elevators. Refrigerators and electric stoves will not work and you may have no hot water. Also, because of lost water pressure toilets may not flush. Without electricity you cannot run mechanical breathing aids; you will not be able to recharge a power wheelchair. Only battery operated clocks, radios, televisions, and other appliances will help you. AT WORK AND AT HOME - KEEP A FLASHLIGHT, BATTERY OPERATED RADIO AND FRESH BATTERIES HANDY.

6. A fire is much more possible than under normal conditions. In or near any building or residence, there may be a ruptured gas line, torn electrical wiring, or spilled flammable fluids. AT HOME, HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY. AT WORK, KNOW WHERE THE NEAREST TWO EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED. KNOW HOW TO DIRECT SOMEONE TO TURN OFF YOUR GAS IF YOU CANNOT DO SO YOURSELF.

7. Don't expect help from fire and police personnel for at least 72 hours: they will be busy with the most crucial situations. Some emergency shelters are up and running within hours of a major disaster; others take two or three days to become operational. BE MENTALLY PREPARED TO RELY ON YOUR OWN RESOURCES AND THE HELP OF NEIGHBORS AND WORK COLLEAGUES DURING THE FIRST 72 HOURS AFTER A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE.

8. If you are not within walking distance from home when a major quake occurs, be ready for serious problems with transportation. Roads may be closed; a freeway may be blocked; bus service will be erratic; Dial-A-Ride service will be disrupted.

9. It can take up to three days for emergency water to get to your area. Every person should store at least 3 gallons, and more for those people who need extra water. And still more if you have a service animal. It is best to store filtered water because it will stay fresher during a long storage. (Replace the water every few months.)

10. In the days following a major quake, many people find themselves easily distracted, strangely absent-minded, and occasionally losing track of keys, phone numbers, and other things. If you experience this, don't worry greatly; it is a normal reaction to the stress of a being in a major disaster.

11. It may take several days before order is restored and you can replace even the simplest disability related items like hearing-aid batteries and prescription medications. Keep spares and backup supplies at home or at work.

Below are a list of web pages that will provide more generalized information to help you prepare for a earthquake:

• Hazards & Preparedness - Info to read and use before the next earthquake.
  
• Are You Ready for an Earthquake? - Checklists from the Red Cross on what to do before an earthquake.
  

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