So I thought now would be a good time to go over some safety procedures.

During an earthquake:

• First and foremost: DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• If you are indoors, stay inside don’t try to get outside. Don’t move more than a few steps. Find a safe location such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. Avoid windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances or fireplaces. Then cover yourself from flying objects.
  
• If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
• If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, powerlines and trees.
• If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs. Stay in your car
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

Here are some tips from the Red Cross on how to prepare for an earthquake:

• Choose a safe place in every room–under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Choose an out-of-town family contact.
• Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
• Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
• Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

And of course a good First Aid kit should have:

• Essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
• Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

Lastly, what to do when it’s over. Number 1 thing, STAY OFF THE PHONE UNLESS IT IS URGENT!

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

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