What to do before a quake

Published 2:17 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

Check for hazards in the home.

• Fasten shelves securely to walls.

• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.

• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.

• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.

• Secure a water heater by strapping to it the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

Identify safe places in each room.

• Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

• Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

Locate safe places outdoors.

In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Develop an emergency communication plan.

In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Use an out-of-state relative as a contact person, because after a disaster it’s often easier to call long distance.

Source: FEMA