According to National Geological Survey, an earthquake could happen almost anywhere in the United States. It would be a mistake to assume that if you’re not planning a visit to California you have nothing to worry about. In 2009 alone earthquake activity killed more then 1700 people worldwide. So it’s important to know basic safety precautions from temblor rather you traveling around the world or staying put in your home town.

Preparing for earthquake

• Regional “Fault Zone” maps can be used to find out general earthquake potential in your living area.
• It is important to inspect your home for possible threats. Secure all your appliances to the floor or wall. Move all heavy and dangerous objects to a lower location. It would be a much better option to use closed-loop hooks for handling framed pictures or home plants. Try to store breakable objects in closed sections. It won’t be an unnecessary precaution to secure heavy furniture items to wall studs.
• Develop and practice your earthquake drill. Keep in mind that a disaster can strike without warning. So it is important for all your family members to know the safest location in every room of the house.
• Just like regarding nearly every other type of disaster it is necessary to have a preliminary agreement about who would be out-of area contact person for your family.

During an earthquake

• If you’re inside the building the first thing you need to do is get out as soon as possible. However if you feel like it would be too dangerous or take too long your best option would be to take cover under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Remember to stay away from windows, glass doors and mirrors. Do your best to avoid any other falling or breakable objects.
• Don’t bother finding an exit right away if the disaster gets you in a high-rise building. By the time you’ll get out an earthquake will most likely be already over. Never use an elevator as you can be easily trapped. Keep in mind that stairs could be also damaged or crowded with people.
• Once you’re outdoors try to get to an open area as soon as possible. Avoid buildings, trees, power lines and other potentially dangerous objects.
• In case you’re in a car, stop the vehicle as quick as possible, obviously taking safety as a first priority. Remember to stay away from overpasses, bridges, tall buildings, and power lines.

After an earthquake

• Do not leave your cover right after the shaking stops. Be prepared for aftershocks. Generally speaking strikes are not as strong as main quake. However they’re still capable of causing additional damage.
• Just like after any other kind of disaster we’ve been through do not use candles, matches, or any other open flames until you’re sure what there is no gas leak in the building.
• Enter your home carefully especially in case earthquake happened while you were away. Examining the house, remember to open doors and cabinets with caution – beware of the falling objects. Do not hesitate co contact proper authorities if you suspect any structural damage. Keep in mind that broken windows can be temporally covered with lists of plywood or plastic shields. Finally remember the first safety rule of dealing with gas after disaster. If you smell a leak, open all windows shut of the line, get out the building and contact a gas company immediately. Do not reenter the building until a proper promotion has been given.
• Do not move seriously injured person unless there is a risk of further injury. However if it looks like there is a risk for the facility you’re in to collapse evacuate immediately.
• Make sure sewage lines didn’t sustain any functional damage before using the toilet.
• Assume tap water has been contaminated. Get rid of a contaminated food. Remember that water emergency supplies found in toilet tanks and water heaters. In case you have absolutely nothing to drink at least accurately purify any water you may find, using clean piece of clothes and bowling it for at least for five minutes.