Keep a flashlight and possibly a portable radio, both with fresh batteries, on hand.
Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Bottled goods, glass and other breakables
should also not be stored in high places or left where they can freely slide on shelves.
Remove heavy picture frames, mirrors and other heavy objects over the bed or desk.
During an Earthquake
First and foremost, stay calm. Think through the consequences of any action you take.
If you are outdoors, stay outdoors: if you are indoors, stay indoors. Most injuries
during quakes occur as people are entering or leaving buildings.
If you are indoors, take cover under a heavy desk or table, in doorways, halls or
against inside walls. Stay away from glass.
If you are outdoors, move away from buildings and utility wires. The greatest danger
comes from falling debris just outside of doorways or outer walls. Once in the open,
stay there until shaking stops.
If you are in a moving car, stop as soon as you can, but stay in your car. A car may
jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking
stops. When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the quake. Some of these hazards
include fallen or falling objects, downed electrical wires, or broken or undermined
roadways.
After an Earthquake
Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks called 鈥渁fter shocks鈥�. Although most
of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional
damage.
Stay out of severely damaged buildings. After shocks can shake them down.
Check for injuries. Don't attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are
in immediate danger of further injury.
Don't smoke. A cigarette could ignite gas leaks and cause an explosion. Don't use
candles, matches, or other open flames because of possible gas leaks. Douse all fires.
Don't turn on the lights.
If water pipes are damaged shut off the supply at the main valve. Emergency water
may be drawn from water heaters, toilet tanks (not bowl) and melted ice.
Check to see that sewage lines are intact before using sanitary facilities.
Physical Plant will direct the cleanup of chemicals.
