Just a few precautionary measures can go a long way towards saving a life in the event of an earthquake. It is very important that if you do live in an earthquake zone that you do prep yourself in case “the big one hits.”
Practice how you will react physically and what you will do if the ground starts shaking. Teach all of your family members how to behave in case it should actually happen.
Go through your home with your family and discuss the safest places to be in your home while the ground is shaking. This means identifying the safe places in a room such as staying under a desk. Do not take cover under large windows, mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and fireplaces.
Be sure you are stocked up on emergency supplies including a battery operated radio, flashlights, many extra batteries, extra water, two weeks food, first aid kit, bottle water, blankets, supplies cooking fuel and the tools you need to turn off the gas in your home. Have the tools around in case you need to manually shut off electricity or water and have the fuels available to start up any emergency generators.
It is a good idea to have your home arranged so it is less susceptible to big damage from a quake. Anchor heavy appliances like fridges, water heaters and book cases to the ground so they cannot harm a pet or human if they fall.
Be sure to that all flammable fuels and liquids are kept away from ignition sources like stoves, furnaces and water heaters. Make sure you know where all the turn-offs are for your water, gas and electricity and make sure that your children are aware of these shut-offs as well.
Be sure to get all of the information you can from your city and stet about what you can do in your area to avoid being hit the worst in an earthquake. Many cities in earthquake prone zones like California have brochures that are put out by the Fire Department or Chamber of Commerce that tell you how to act, what routes to avoid and also where the nearest shelters in the city might be. Take time out for yourself and your family so that you can sit down together and thoroughly discuss what you all might do in the event of a big emergency. This is the best way to save lives and minimize damage to your property.