Individual, Family & Home Planning Guide
If a major earthquake or other disaster struck in your area today, you might be without direct assistance for at least 72 hours. Are you prepared to be self-sufficient? Is your family?
Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
Individual & Family Preparedness
- Know the safe areas in each room (under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls)
- Know the danger spots in each room (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces, and tall furniture)
- Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers
- Pick two places to meet - right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire; and outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home or are asked to leave your neighborhood
- Choose an out-of-state relative or friend whom family members can call to report their whereabouts and condition
Home Preparedness
- Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms
- Know how to use your fire extinguisher and show family members where extinguishers are kept
- Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches or valves
- Secure your water heater and any appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines
- Plan how to take care of your animals
- Discuss what to do if authorities ask you to evacuate
- Be familiar with escape routes