Before

During

After

• Learn first aid procedures.
• Learn how to shut off all utilities in your home.
• Keep emergency items on hand, including first aid kit, supply of important medicines, flashlight, battery-powered radio, batteries, some drinking water and nonperishable food, tools to shut off utilities, and a fire extinguisher.
• Use bolts or straps to secure heavy items that might topple over, such as a bookcase, china cabinet, or water heater.
• Avoid placing heavy objects on shelves or heavy pictures on walls where they could fall onto a bed.

• If at home, avoid windows and objects that could fall. If possible, get under a sturdy table, desk, or bed, or stand in a doorway.
• If in a public building, avoid stairways and elevators and don’t run for exits. Get under a desk or table and avoid outside walls, especially glass walls.
• If outside, move away from anything that might fall on you, especially debris from buildings such as glass or bricks.
• If driving in a car, avoid bridges and overpasses. Turn on the radio for emergency broadcasts.

• Check for injuries to others and provide assistance as needed.
• Check for and extinguish fires, and check for and correct conditions, such as spilled gasoline, that could lead to a fire.
• Check appliances and gas, electric, and water lines for damage, and shut off utilities that are damaged.
• If outside, watch out for downed power lines.
• Use the telephone only for emergencies.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.