BEFORE AND After an Earthquake
BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE
Being ready for earthquakes is easy! It just takes a little imagination and a little education. Everything you need can be found on the Safety Resources Library page.
- Look around your home and ask yourself. If that (fill in the blank) falls over will it hurt someone or will I be really unhappy that it broke? If your answer is "Yes", move the item to a new location or go to the Hazard Mitigation page to find out how to secure it in its current location. Also decide where the safest places (PDF) to Drop, Cover and Hold on are in each room. Discuss with family.
- If you must take any medications on a daily basis - and not taking them would be unhealthy - put a 5 day supply in your car. Every time you refill the prescription, change the meds in the car.
- If you wear glasses, keep your old pair with your supplies when you get a new pair. That way, if your good glasses are broken during the shaking, you’ll have a backup.
- Watch "How To" Videos (PDF) to learn how and when to turn off natural gas.
- Get a 5 gallon fire extinguisher and know how to use it (PDF).
- Designate an out of area contact (PDF) who can be your message center for local family/friends. Local phone lines may not be usable but calling long distance will still work. (So should texting)
- Know how the Town will communicate (PDF) with you after earthquakes.
- Water is your most important supply. Store three gallons for every family member. A case of bottled water is about three gallons. Know how to purify water (PDF).
- Imagine what your surroundings will look like after a major earthquake. What would you need (PDF) to manage in this environment? Leather gloves to pick up glass or clear debris?, N95 mask too protect your lungs? A first aid kit? Flashlight?
- Family members may have special supply needs to consider. Infant formula, refrigerated medications, diapers, pet supplies.
- The most common injury after earthquakes is cut feet because people step on broken glass. Keep an old pair of sturdy shoes and a flashlight (or light stick) tied under your bed so you can prevent injuries.
- Take a class to learn more!
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
- Check for natural gas leaks (PDF). Only turn off your gas if you smell it, hear a hissing sound or see the meter dial spinning at an abnormal rate. (Check your neighbor’s house too).
- Treat injuries (PDF)
- Put out small fires. Extinguish any candles. Check for any chemical spills.
- Stay off the phone (PDF) unless you have a life-threatening emergency. Try texting instead.
- Please do not drop off donations for victims unless the Town requests them!
- Don’t flush toilets or drink tap water until you have confirmed (through the Town website or radio station) that the utility lines are not damaged.
- Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles.
- Listen to KFJC Radio 89.7 FM(info on the hour and half hour), KLIV 1590 AM, or KCBS 740 AM and 106.9 FM. Or Monitor Town website, Town Social Media and Nextdoor.com
- If phones are not working and you have an emergency, report it to the Community Emergency Response Team located in Lot 7 of the Foothill College Campus.
- Download the Post Earthquake Checklist (PDF) to help you remember what to do when the ground stops shaking.