Earthquakes can be a realbitch.
Where is the safest place to be during an earthquake?
In general, earthquake survival is based on protecting yourself from falling debris and not falling down yourself.
So if you are inside when the earthquake hits, think: drop, cover, and hold on.
Drop: Get down on your hands and knees when you feel the first shake.
This way you wont fall, and youll be ready to crawl under a nearby desk or table.
Put a pillow over your head and wait it out.
Then crawl under a strong desk or table if one is nearby.
If there isnt one handy, crawl toward an interior wall, not an exterior wall.
Exterior walls have windows and windows are not good in this situation.
Be ready to shift with the desk or table youre clutching onto for dear life.
Think to yourself, how long can this go on?
Surely it must stop soon!
but wait until itsreallystopped to move.
If you are in a wheelchair: Lock your wheels.
Do not stand in a doorway.This once-common advice is terrible.
What should you do if youre outside when an earthquake hits?
Still drop, cover, and hold on, once youre away from structures.
Driving: Pull over safely.
Set your parking brake.
Stay in the car until shaking stops.
When the shaking stops, head to high ground.
Dont wait for any kind of official confirmation, just go.
How should you prepare for an earthquake?
The danger comes from falling or flying objects.
Now take a little timemaybe do one or two thing a weekendto secure everything.
Install strong latches on kitchen cabinets.
Use flexible connections where gas lines meet appliances.
Remove or lock refrigerator wheels, secure to studs.
Secure valuable electronics items such as computers and televisions.
Keep breakables in low or secure cabinets with latches.
Move heavy plants and other large items to floor or low shelves.
Hang mirrors and pictures and pictures on closed hooks.
Secure free-standing woodstove or fireplace insert.
Keep heavy unstable objects away from doors and exit routes.
Place bed away from windows or items that may fall.
Secure knick knacks and other small valuables with museum putty.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Place only light weight/soft items over bed.
Secure top-heavy furniture to studs.
Secure water heater with metal straps attached to studs.
Trim hazardous tree limbs.
This is not a complete list by any means.
What should you put in an emergency earthquake kit?
Keep several flashlights in easily accessible places around the house.
Keep wrench or turn-off tool in water proof wrap near gas meter.
Know the location of your main electrical switch (fuse box or circuit breaker).
Have your emergency plan accessible and discuss with all family members.
Know whether you live, work, or play in a tsunami hazard zone.
Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio with the Public Alert feature to notify you of tsunamis and other hazards.
Keep flashlight, slippers and gloves next to beds.
Keep gas tank at least half full.
Keep an emergency backpack with copies of important documents near the door to grab and go.
Store emergency food and water supplies in a dry, accessible area.
Include first aid kit, extra cash, portable radio, extra batteries, medications and other necessary supplies.
Is it possible to get an early warning for earthquakes?
What should you do right after an earthquake?
When the earth stops shaking, the danger is not necessarily over.
If it was a big quake, its probably going to be a really bad day.
Knock three times every few minutes on a solid piece of the building so rescuers can find you.
Again, do not tarry or wait for anything.
Move quickly as soon as it is safe.
Tend to the injured: If anyone in your home is hurt, perform first aid.
Call for an ambulance if you need one, but dont expect one to show up right away.
They will be busy.
Fires: Fires are a huge secondary danger from earthquakes.
If its a large fire, evacuate.
Call for help, but dont expect the fire department to show up any time soon.
If not, leave it on.
Dont use candles or a lighter: Use flashlights only after a quake.
You could start a fire accidentally or, even worse, blow yourself up if theres a gas leak.
Take a moment, take a breath, and dive into the damage.
Dont be dumb and hurt yourselfafterthe quake.
What should you do in the days after an earthquake?
Conserve your cell batteries.
Check on your neighbors: Especially if theyre older or have any disabilities.
(This implies you like your neighbors, of course.
If not, eff em.)
Determine if your house is safe: If youre worried that your home is unsafe, dont chance it.
FEMA is already setting up their shelters, and theyd love to see you.
Hopefully, civil society will be restored in your community relatively quickly.
When it is, double-check you post pictures of your damaged home on social media.
Promise you will rebuild!
Ask yourself why you even moved to San Diego in the first place.
Until the next one hits.
