HOW TO REMAIN SAFE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

On Independence Day this year, a 6.4-magnitude hit Southern California, only to be followed by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake the next day, the strongest earthquake in the region for decades.

While none of the quakes resulted in any major injuries or fatalities, the incident did displace many residents in the towns located near the epicenter of the first two major temblors. The back-to-back major earthquakes that shook Southern California were a reminder that the “Big One” could strike at any moment, but many households remain unprepared for the fallout from such a disaster.

Earthquakes can happen anywhere, without warning, and cause natural disasters such as tsunamis, landslides, and avalanches. If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away. Drop, Cover, then Hold On!

Prepare Beforehand

• Secure items, such as televisions, and objects that hang on walls. 
• Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. 
• Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for at least three days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle. Consider each person’s specific needs, including medication. 
• Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover earthquake damage.

Act Safely During an Earthquake

• Drop, Cover, then Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.
• If inside, stay there until the shaking stops. DO NOT run outside.
• If in a vehicle, stop in a clear area that is away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, or utility wires.
• If you are in a high-rise building, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off. Do not use elevators.

Remain Safe During the Aftermath.

• Expect aftershocks to follow the largest shock of an earthquake.
• Check yourself for injury and provide assistance to others if you have training.
• If in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building.
• Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions.

With preparation, you can reduce worry and stress during an emergency. If an earthquake causes significant damage to Southern California, SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach/Signal Hill is here to help clean the debris and restore your home or business back to preloss conditions.