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If you live in an earthquake prone area and
are at risk from earthquakes:
DEVELOP A DISASTER PLAN
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Pick "safe places" in each
room of your home. A safe place could be under a sturdy table or desk or
against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture
that could fall on you. The shorter the distance to move to safety, the less
likely you will be injured. Injury statistics show that people moving as
little as 10 feet during an earthquake's shaking are most likely to be
injured. Also pick safe places, in your office, school and other buildings
you are frequently in.
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Practice drop, cover, and
hold-on in each safe place. Drop under a sturdy desk or table and hold
on to one leg of the table or desk. Protect your eyes by keeping your head
down. Practice these actions so that they become an automatic response. When
an earthquake or other disaster occurs, many people hesitate, trying to
remember what they are supposed to do. Responding quickly and automatically
may help protect you from injury.
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Practice drop, cover, and
hold-on at least twice a year. Frequent practice will help reinforce
safe behavior.
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Wait in your safe place until
the shaking stops, then check to see if you are hurt. You will be better
able to help others if you take care of yourself first, then check the
people around you. Move carefully and watch out for things that have fallen
or broken, creating hazards. Be ready for additional earthquakes called
"aftershocks."
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Be on the lookout for fires.
Fire is the most common earthquake-related hazard, due to broken gas lines,
damaged electrical lines or appliances, and previously contained fires or
sparks being released.
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If you must leave a building
after the shaking stops, use the stairs, not the elevator. Earthquakes
can cause fire alarms and fire sprinklers to go off. You will not be certain
whether there is a real threat of fire. As a precaution, use the stairs.
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If you're outside in an
earthquake, stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and
power lines. Crouch down and cover your head. Many injuries occur within
10 feet of the entrance to buildings. Bricks, roofing, and other materials
can fall from buildings, injuring persons nearby. Trees, streetlights, and
power lines may also fall, causing damage or injury.
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Inform guests, babysitters,
and caregivers of your plan. Everyone in your home should know what to
do if an earthquake occurs. Assure yourself that others will respond
properly even if you are not at home during the earthquake.
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Get training. Take a
first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Get training on how to
use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department. Keep your training
current. Training will help you to keep calm and know what to do when an
earthquake occurs.
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Discuss earthquakes with your
family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are
not together. Discussing earthquakes ahead of time helps reduce fear and
anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.
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Talk with your insurance
agent. Different areas have different requirements for earthquake
protection. Study locations of active faults, and if you are at risk,
consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
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