Individual and Family Readiness
- Create a Family Earthquake Plan
- Know the safe spot in each room, (under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls).
- Know the danger spots, (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture).
- Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations.
- Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local Red Cross or other community organization.
- Decide where your family will reunite, if separated.
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
- Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after the quake to report your condition. Carry emergency contact cards with out of state contact phone numbers.
- Develop a portable/auto survival kit for work and travel.
Community Preparedness
- Suggest that local organizations (of which you are a member) undertake a specific preparedness program or acquire special training to be of assistance in the event of a damaging earthquake.
- Participate in neighborhood earthquake preparedness programs.
- Attend training for neighborhood residents in preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, damage assessment, and search and rescue.
- Develop self-help networks between families and neighborhood through a skills and resources bank, which includes a listing of tools, equipment, materials, and neighborhood members who have special skills and resources to share.
- Identify neighbors who have special needs or will require special assistance.
- Have neighbors agree to hang a white flag (bed sheet) out after the quake if everyone and everything is OK.