- Practice duck, cover and hold drills at home with your family and at work.
- Develop an earthquake plan. Your local American Red Cross chapter can help you develop plans for your home, work and neighborhood. Discuss the plan(s) with all family members, and instruct children what to do in the event they're at school.
- Know the following:
- What to do during and after an earthquake.
- The safest place in your home.
- Exits and alternative exits at home and work.
- How to shut off gas, electricity and water.
- How to provide first aid, rescue people trapped under debris, find help for dire emergencies and assist others, especially the elderly and disabled. Ask your local American Red Cross office for more information.
- Local school policy on release of children after an earthquake.
- Store emergency supplies. Medical aid, transportation, water, electricity and communication may be unavailable for days or weeks. Be prepared to take care of yourselves and your neighbors for at least three days (longer in remote areas).
- Make special provisions for elderly or disabled family members.
- Make special provisions for pets, such as confinement to a room in your house, as they may not be allowed in shelters.
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