Moving To An Earthquake Zone, Be Prepared!

Moving To An Earthquake Zone, Be Prepared!

If you’re Moving To California, or moving to an earthquake zone, being prepared and knowing what to do before, during and after an earthquake can help reduce the chances of you and others being hurt, or your home being damaged.

Preparing Your Home

Some homes are more vulnerable to earthquakes. Assess the structure of your new home, and if needed making it safer is strongly recommended. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provide a Homebuilders Guide to Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction. If you will be renting, inquire into what measures have been taken to strengthen the building/property against earthquakes.

The contents of your home can be equally as dangerous as the actual structure. Once you have finished Unpacking Your Home After The Move and placed your furniture, go through each room and make a checklist of any items that could be a potential hazard. Pay attention to things that are unsecured, and items that can easily fall and break. Bookcases, wall hangings, and home electronics are some of the things that can cause injury, and damage to your property. These items should be secured, or if above beds or seating, should be moved. For guidance on securing the contents of your home, you can view FEMA’s Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt Poster.

Preparing Yourself, And Those Close To You

Drop, Cover, then Hold On these are the words to remember in the event of an earthquake!

Knowing what to do during an earthquake is invaluable. Make sure that each member of the house learns what to do during an earthquake. Have regular drills, so that everyone remembers the procedure for remaining safe.

Prepare an earthquake survival pack and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is kept. Having a 2nd, or smaller kit in your car is a good idea. Do some research into what to include in your kit. You will need to have items and food, so that you and your family can survive for at least 3 days without outside assistance. Some of the things to include:

• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Radio
• Extra batteries
• Cell phones with chargers
• First aid kit
• Medication
• Emergency Blankets
• Multi purpose tool
• Food and water (non-perishable)
• Copies of personal documents
• Extra cash

After The Earthquake

Once you are sure the shaking has stopped, check everyone for injuries. When possible, check your home for any hazards that might have occurred during the earthquake. Taking care of any potential hazards can help avoid additional damage from happening should there be any aftershocks. Remember, aftershocks can occur at any time, you must always be prepared to Drop, Cover, then Hold On!

The American Red Cross and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) are two emergency services that can assist in times of emergency.

After experiencing an earthquake, you might feel that you need to take extra provisions to ensuring the safety of yourself, family members, and your home. Take this time to acquire additional knowledge and improve your survival kit, survival tactics and structure of your home.

For detailed information read FEMA’s Earthquake Safety Checklist.