Earthquakes

Earthquakes, the violent shakings of the Earth’s crust, are frequent occurrences in the United States and the rest of the world. The West Coast has the highest risk of earthquakes in the United States.

Earthquakes happen without warning. They can kill people and destroy property. Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but individuals can do things to lessen the danger they face from these phenomena. Much damage from earthquakes results from falling buildings and products within those buildings. In areas where earthquakes may be anticipated, new buildings have been constructed to withstand intense shaking and older buildings may have been strengthened.

People who live in areas in which earthquakes are expected can take some precautions:

Before an earthquake:

• Attend practice emergency drills at home with family members and at work with associates where you can practice safety procedures, such as dropping to the ground, taking cover in a doorway, or holding on to fixed surfaces until the earthshaking stops.
• Inspect your home in advance to make certain that it can withstand an earthquake.
• Make sure that fixtures that are likely to topple, such as ceiling lights and bookcases, are securely anchored to a wall, ceiling or the floor. Learn how to turn off gas lines, electricity, and water in case government authorities call upon you to take these actions.
• Store essential items including flashlights with batteries, portable radio with batteries, bottled water, preserved food, an outer gas-pipe wrench, and a first-aid kit where you can find them quickly and easily.
• Observe places inside and outside your home that you should avoid because they are hazardous, as well as places you should rely on because you think they are safe.
• Prepare a contact plan for all members of your family, indicating places inside or outside of your home area where you can communicate with your family and other people who need to know where you are after the earthquake occurs.
• Know where the emergency evacuation center is in your community and make sure every member of your family knows as well.
• Anticipate aftershocks, which can occur hours, days, weeks, or even months after an earthquake.

During an earthquake:

• If you are in a building, you may have to duck or drop down to the floor. You may be able to quickly slide under strong furniture, such as a table. You may have to hold on to the table until the ground stops shaking. You should avoid hazardous locations, such as standing next to windows, fireplaces, or appliances that may fall.
• If you are outdoors, try to get to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
• If you are in a car, drive to a clear location. Do not leave the car until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping in underpasses and bridges, or in tunnels.

After an earthquake:

• Conduct a safety check in your home to examine new dangers from fire hazards, damaged utility lines, electrical wiring, and gas leaks. Turn off the gas if you think it is leaking.
• Stay away from damaged areas.
• Check to see if people nearby need medical assistance. If so, try to contact the appropriate medical personnel who can help them.
• Listen to the media from reliable sources for information about the earthquake, including extent of damage and recommendations for travel.
• Earthquakes may produce tsunamis, which are ocean waves. These occur in coastal areas. Try to get to higher land areas in that event.