Before An Earthquake Occurs – Prepare!

If you live or work and work in an area prone to earthquakes, you, and only you, are responsible for preparing for an earthquake.

Check the risk of earthquakes in your area by contacting an expert source like your local American Red Cross Chapter for your chapter number or check the business listing of your white pages.

Be Informed :

Determine your earthquake insurance eligibility now.

Damage caused by earthquakes is often not covered in regular homeowners insurance.

Find out more from:

Your insurance agent

National Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-800-942-4242)

The Insurance Information Institute (1-800-331-9146)

Learn how your town handles emergencies by contacting

Your local American Red Cross chapter or check the business listing of your white pages.

Your local Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Be Prepared:

Develop a family disaster plan that includes the following:

Choose a safe place in every room where you might be – at home, at school, or at work – when an earthquake occurs.

Practice earthquake safety drills with your family. Update these plans every school year, and as places of employment and residence change.

Family Disaster Supply kit

These contents can be assembled over a five-month period on a weekly basis, and all perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.

For more information on assembling and refreshing supplies, contact the American red Cross for their Disaster Supplies Kit brochure.

Designate a friend or relative outside your town as your contact in the event you are separated from family members after an earthquake.

Agree upon a place where the family members can meet if separated.

For further preparedness information for you family, including a brochure on caring for your pet during an emergency, check the American Red Cross Disaster Safety page.

Prepare Your Home

Fasten shelving, bookcases, mirrors, and pictures securely to walls. Brace overhead fixtures. Secure the water heater to a wall and bolt it to the floor.

Put large or heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable items or dangerous/flammable liquids in low, closed cabinets with latches.

Have any defects in electrical wiring or gas connections repaired to cut down the risk of fire.

Get expert advice concerning structural defects and repair deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.

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