Earthquake Preparedness
Earthquake preparedness is to be knowledgeable about disaster planning, disaster management and
disaster recovery before a moderate-to-large earthquake hits your area, so that you know what to prepare
before the earthquake, how to react during the earthquake, and what to do after the earthquake! The
objective is to protect yourself and your family from destructive earthquakes as well as to minimize the
earthquake damage to your home structure and nonstructural components, home contents and personal
possessions. This web page highlights the main topics that will be discussed in complete details. Follow
the link to the section you are interested in obtaining more information.
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Earthquake Awareness and Preparedness
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Disaster Planning

Earthquake preparedness checklist before a seismic event is to:

Be aware of the seismic activity as well as earthquake prediction in your area and the location of
your home with respect to active fault lines, utilizing the earthquake map of the US Geological
Survey.

Be knowledgeable on the factors influencing earthquake damage to your home, including structural
damage as well as damage to nonstructural components and contents.

Be knowledgeable on how earthquake damage will impact your personal finance because your
home is not covered by homeowners insurance while the federal disaster relief programs are very
limited, so you will end up paying for all repairs, while still responsible for existing personal debt
like mortgage, auto loans and credit card payment.

Consider buying earthquake insurance, which is an effective option in reducing the potential costs
of inevitable future earthquakes.

Consider buying flood insurance if you live near the coast in a tsunami-risk area.

Ensure life and home safety through seismic retrofit of its structural system. Seismic retrofit
measures may be expensive and would require hiring a professional engineer and a building
contractor. However, they can be addressed one step at a time.

Ensure home safety by risk mitigation of its nonstructural components and contents. Research
studies demonstrated that risk mitigation measures should be performed because they are simple
enough to be done by you, where commercial kits are inexpensive and available in hardware stores
and online stores.

Setup an emergency preparedness plan by purchasing an emergency kit for the household and a
survival kit for each household member as well as maintaining survival food and emergency
drinking water for at least 2 weeks.

Buy an emergency radio for earthquake information and tsunami warning.

Download a tsunami alert free app for you mobile device if you live near the coast line.

Take the first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation emergency training course.

Participate in earthquake drills if available in your area.
Disaster Management

Earthquake safety during a seismic event requires to:

Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy desk or table when ground shaking starts.

Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, tall furniture, and large appliances.

Do not go outside until the shaking completely stops.

Never use elevators.

Avoid overpasses, bridges, buildings, power lines, signs, and trees if you are driving.

Evacuate immediately to higher ground if you hear a tsunami warning.
Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery after a seismic event requires to:

1) Check yourself then other family members for injuries.

Check for fires, gas leaks, and damaged electrical wiring inside/outside your home.

Shut off the main gas valve if you suspect a gas leak.

File an earthquake insurance claim describing damage to your home and its contents.

Evacuate immediately to a shelter if your home is seriously damaged.

Contact FEMA to check for financial assistance and disaster relief.