Earthquake Survival

Earthquakes happen. Don't get caught unprepared! Get prepared the easy way by taking simple precautions each month. Safeguard yourself and your family against our "faults". Use this list of items as your guide for home preparedness.

A CROWBAR
A crowbar could be used to pry open doors and to assist in debris removal. It is an effective tool for light search and rescue.

LEARN FIRST AID
Learn to help those who become injured. Contact your local Red Cross Chapter, recreation department or hospital for information.

EMERGENCY CASH & IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Stash some cash. It may be hard to get for a few days. Safeguard important documents, (deeds, birth certificates, family pictures, etc.).

STATEWIDE "DUCK, COVER & HOLD" DRILL
Have an earthquake drill at your home, school and place of work.

ROTATE WATER & FOOD SUPPLIES
Water and food supplies should be rotated on a regular basis to ensure quality.

EARTHQUAKE COOKING
Plan alternate cooking methods, since you may be without gas/electricity. Store barbeque charcoal briquettes and matches for outdoor cooking.

STRAP WATER HEATER
If done properly, strapping can prevent your heater from falling and causing a fire and/or losing its valuable water supply.

CAR KIT
Purchase a pre-packaged kit or prepare your own with emergency supplies to be used when you are traveling.

TURN ONS & TURN OFFS
Locate and learn how to turn on and off all utilities, your main gas valve, circuit breaker and water main. Teach responsible family members too.

SMOKE DETECTOR & FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Check smoke detector batteries once a month and replace as necessary. Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires and easily accessible.

ROPE, TAPE & TRASH BAGS
Purchase rope, tape and trash bags to be placed in your home and car emergency kits. These versatile items will come in handy.

SURVIVAL GIFT LIST
Show you care. Give a survival gift to someone, or everyone on your shipping list this year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY, OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND ASK TO BE PLACED ON THE EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL PROGRAM "ESP" MAILING LIST - (213) 974-1166.