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You may ask yourself, "What should I do to prepare myself for an Earthquake?"

This list should all ready be in place in every home or office. Most people do not consider Earthquake preparation in the Office. Think about it. If your at work what will you do? Do you have the necessary supplies to survive? Do you have clean water and food?

After a major earthquake, electricity, gas, water, and other services will probably be out of service. Emergency personal, such as Police, Fire, Paramedics and Ambulances probably will not be able to reach you for a couple of days. Lets go over a list of items you should consider keeping in your home, office and trunk of your car.

1. Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep flashlights beside your bed, in your car and at your office. DO NOT use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
2. Portable radio with extra batteries. The telephone will quickly become overloaded or be out of service all together. Keeping a battery powered radio will be your best source of information.
3. First aid kit. Keep a first aid kit well stocked and in a central location. Get a travel first aid kit to keep in your car.
4. First aid skills. Take a basic CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid course. Most of all KEEP your skills current. You should retest yearly for CPR and often for first aid.
5. Fire extinguisher. Obtain a fire extinguisher good for all types of fire and keep it accessible. Teach all members of the family how to use it.
6. Food. You should store a one-week supply of food for each person. Items such as canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk and canned juices can be rotated into your daily diet and replenished on a regular basis.
7. Water. Store enough water for each person to have one gallon per day. Store in airtight containers and replace it every six months. Keep a disinfectant such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach to purify water if necessary.
8. Blankets, clothing, and shoes. Extra blankets and clothing may be required to keep warm. Have sturdy shoes to protect feet from broken glass and other debris.
9. Alternate cooking source. Store barbecue, charcoal, starter and matches in case utilities are out of service.
10. Special items. Have at least a one week's supply of medications and foods for infants and those on special diets.
11. Tools. Have a crescent or pipe wrench to turn off gas and water if necessary.
12. As you've noticed we have emphasized keeping extra batteries. It will be unknown how long the electricity will be out of service. If you do not keep a supply of batteries around, you will loose contact with most services.
    

1. Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.
2. Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that separated family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and condition.
   Consider when doing this that the telephone lines will become overloaded and you may not be able to make a call for a period of time.
3. Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls.
4. Know the danger spots: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
5. Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself in safe locations.
6. Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local Red Cross chapter or other community organization.
7. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
8. Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. (Safety note: Do not attempt to relight gas pilot. Call the utility company.)
9. Check chimneys, roofs, wall, foundations for stability. Make sure your house is bolted to its foundation.
10. Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.
11. Keep breakables and heavy objects on bottom shelves.
12. Secure heavy, tall furniture that can topple, such as bookcases, china cabinets or wall units.
13. Secure hanging plants and heavy picture frames or mirrors (especially over beds).
14. Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.
15. Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays, or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.
16. Maintain emergency food, water, and other supplies, including a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit and clothing.

1. If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table or stand in a corner.
2. If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.
3. If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. DO NOT use elevators.
4. If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside until shaking is over.
5. If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.

1. Check for Injuries. Apply first aid. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury or fire. Hunt for hazards.
2. Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn utility off at the source.
3. Check building for cracks and damage, including roof, chimneys and foundation.
4. Check food and water supplies. Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned vegetables.
5. Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. Cooperate fully with public safety officials.
   Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
6. Be prepared for aftershocks.
7. Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
8. If you evacuate, post a message inside your home telling family members where you can be found.