• In first aid (the Red Cross offers frequent courses); 
• In how to shut off the gas, water, and electricity;
• In how to protect oneself during the earthquake (get UNDER something or get something OVER you.)

• What would happen here if the earthquake occurred now?  
• How would we protect ourselves?  

• Store sturdy shoes and flashlight for EACH family member UNDERNEATH THEIR BED;
• At least a 72-hour supply of food and water in plastic bottles; 
• Wrench to shut off gas –attach to gas meter; 
• First aid kit and book; 
• Fire extinguishers;
• Optional: portable cooking equipment and fuel.
   

• Secure water heater, refrigerator, and heavy items of furniture to wall studs; 
• Check closets, shelves, and cabinets and move heavy items to lower shelves;
• Install clips or latches on inside of cabinet doors; 
• Remove or isolate flammable materials;

Hold Children  /  Release Children /  Other

In a MAJOR earthquake, you may experience a shaking that starts out to be gentle and within a second or two grows violent and knocks you off your feet…or you may be jarred first by a violent jolt—as though your house was hit by a truck.  A second or two later you’ll find it very difficult (if not impossible) to move from one room to another.

GIVE FIRST AID to anyone who is injured.

WEAR SHOES in areas near fallen debris and broken glass.

IF UTILITIES ARE DAMAGED:

Gas: Inspect for leaky pipes—By smell only.  If you smell gas: Do not use candles, matches, or other open flames.  Do not operate electrical switches or appliances.  Shut off the main valve at the meter, open all windows and doors so the gas can escape, leave house, and report leak to authorities.

Electricity:  If damage to your electrical system is suspected (frayed wires, sparks, or the smell of hot insulation), turn off system at main fuse box.

Water:  If water leaks are suspected, shut off water at main valve. 

 Do not switch on the gas or electricity again until the power company has first checked your home.

CHECK NEIGHBORS for injuries or fire hazards.

TURN ON BATTERY-POWERED RADIO or car radio (640AM) and listen for advisories)

CHECK HOUSE, roof, chimney for damage.

CLEAN UP DEBRIS, glass, and spilled medicines, flammable liquids, bleaches, and gasoline.

RESTRICT PHONE USE to extreme emergencies.

CHECK CLOSETS AND CUPBOARDS. Open doors cautiously.  Beware of objects tumbling off shelves.

DO NOT USE YOUR VEHICLE, unless there is an emergency. Do not go sightseeing through badly damaged areas.  You will only hamper the relief effort.  Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.

BE PREPARED FOR AFTERSHOCKS.  These are usually smaller than the main quake, but some may be large enough to do additional damage to structures weakened during the main shock.

COOPERATE WITH PUBLIC SAFETY EFFORTS.  (The welfare of separated family members is handled by the American Red Cross.)

• Medicines and first aid kit;
• Flashlight, radio and batteries;
• Important papers and cash;
• Food, sleeping bags, extra clothes, eyeglasses.

STORAGE OF DRINKING WATER:  Minimum one gallon per day, for 3-7 days per family member. Water should be stored in carefully cleaned, noncorrosive, tightly covered containers (heavy opaque plastic bottles with screw on lids are best).

OTHER SOURCES OF LIQUID IF YOUR WATER SUPPLY IS TURNED OFF: Water drained from the hot water tank, melted ice cubes, water dipped from the toilet flush tank (not the bowl!), canned fruit and vegetable juices, and liquid from other canned foods.  If you must use toilet-tank water, purify before using.  Do not use chemically treated “blue” water.

HOW TO PURIFY WATER FOR DRINKING:

1. Strain water through a clean cloth into a container to remove any sediment or floating matter.  Boil vigorously for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Strain water as above. Use a LIQUID household bleach solution such as regular CHLOROX.  Add about 10 drops per gallon of water, mix well and let stand 30 minutes. A slight taste or smell of chlorine indicates that the water is good to drink. If not, repeat the dosage.

3. Use household Tincture of Iodine (2%) in the same manner as for the regular CHLOROX except use about 25-30 drops per gallon of water.

4.Use commercial purification tablets such as HAZALONE or GLOBALINE.  Follow instructions on the package.

Some stored water may develop a disagreeable appearance, taste, or odor, but these properties are not harmful.

General Rules