BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
Most of the things you can do to survive an earthquake happen before the earthquake hits. Plan ahead, stock up, and you’ll be in a much better place should the earthquake hit. Your Preparedness Plan for an Earthquake is no different than any other TEOTWAWKI event except that your home be destroyed. If you live near an earthquake fault line, a bug out location away from earthquake prone areas should be an important part of your Preparedness Plan.
1) Secure Your Home
Some steps to make your home safer:
Secure your shelves, and move heavy objects to the lowest shelves or on the floor. Secure heavy items on the wall (paintings, mirrors, etc). Strap and bolt refrigerators, furnaces and gas appliances to the wall or floor. Store any breakable items, poisons, or flammable items in close to the ground, latched cabinets. Repair any gas connections to avoid fire risks. Know how to shut off the gas in your house and have the proper tools on hand if you need to do this. Flexible pipe fittings for gas and water pipes are more resistant to damage. In some cases, an automatic shut-off valve for gas lines triggered by vibrations are available. Repair any electrical wiring that needs it, to avoid fire risks. Keep emergency supplies/bug out bags in a safe location. Have a plan for power outages before you are faced with one.
2) If you are Away
Know where you are at all times and how to get out of the building. This is more important if you are in a strange place like a hotel in another city. Always practice situational awareness and select a safe place to wait out the earthquake if needed. Keep flashlights and sturdy shoes available in your Every Day Carry Bag.