Earthquake Preparedness for Preppers

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.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

An important thing to remember is that during an earthquake, most injuries and fatalities are caused by falling debris or collapsing walls. Your best bet is to find the safest place close to you, and STAY THERE until the shaking stops.

If You’re Indoors

During and earthquake, remember to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.

DROP to the ground.

COVER yourself, with a sturdy table of furniture (if possible).

HOLD ON until the shaking finishes.

Be in the center of the room if possible, away from windows, furniture, or anything that could fall. DO NOT stand in a doorway, unless you know it is load-bearing. Most modern homes do not offer this protection. Stay inside and don’t move until the shaking stops. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people try and move during the shaking.

If You’re Outdoors

Find a close, open spot, away from buildings, electrical wires, etc. DROP to the ground, COVER yourself, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Avoid trying to enter a building during an earthquake, as you will be extremely vulnerable to any structural damage it may face.

If You’re In A Car

Stop as soon as you can, away from anything that could fall or collapse on you (buildings, electrical wires, trees, overpasses, etc). Stay in your car. DO NOT exit during an earthquake. Following an earthquake, proceed with caution. Avoid any roads or bridges that may have been damaged by the quake.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Know that there may be aftershocks. They won’t be as powerful as the initial earthquake, but can cause already damaged infrastructure to collapse.

Listen to your battery-powered radio for information on your area. If you live on the coast, listen to any tsunami warnings and be prepared to evacuate quickly.

Play the hero. Help and trapped or injured people. You’d appreciate the same effort if you needed it. Put out any small fires if you can, as fires are on of the biggest post-earthquake hazards.

Stay home. If trying to get home, stay away from damaged areas until they are cleared by the authorities and be careful when driving. Once home, check for gas leaks, electrical system damage, sewage or waterline damage.

Always have a pre-arranged place to meet with family members in the event that your home is unsafe. Check your family members for injuries especially head trauma.

Here is a free pdf download of the FEMA Earthquake Preparedness Checklist:

fema earthquake preparedness checklist