U.S. Geological Survey Administration
Reprinted by Permission of the American Red Cross (1997)
Choose a safe place in every room - under
a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can
fall on you.
Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least
twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and
protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If
there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an
interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture
that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND
HOLD ON!
- Choose an out-of-town family contact.
- Eliminate hazards, including:
Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and
other tall furniture to wall studs
- Installing strong latches on cupboards
- Strapping the water heater to wall
studs
- Take a first aid class from your local Red
Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
- Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher
from your local fire department.
- Inform babysitters and caregivers of your
plan.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for home and car:
Assemble disaster supplies including:
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty
of extra batteries
At least three gallons of water per person,
preferably more
Canned food and can opener
First aid kit
Essential medications
Tools and instructions to shut off utilities
Sturdy shoes and work gloves
Sanitation supplies
Fire extinguisher
Keep essentials, such as a flashlight and
sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
Know what to do when the shaking begins:
DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a
few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking
stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows.
In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to
go off during a quake.
If you are in bed, hold on and stay there,
protecting your head with a pillow.
If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away
from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
If you are in a car, slow down and drive to
a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the
shaking stops.
Identify what to do after the shaking stops:
Check yourself for injuries. Protect
yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a
long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
Check others for injuries. Give first aid for
serious injuries.
Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate
fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s
leaking (remember, only a professional should turn it back on).
Listen to the radio for instructions.
Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one,
DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
Inspect home for damage. Get everyone out
if your home is unsafe.
Use the telephone only to report
life-threatening emergencies.
Plan and get ready:
Earthquakes can happen in most states...anytime...without warning.
Reducing hazards and knowing what to do can make a big difference
in how an earthquake impacts your household. Adults and children
in the household should talk about what you will do when an
earthquake happens.
This checklist will get you started in planning.
Have various members of the household complete each of the items
on the checklist below. Then get together to finalize your Home
Earthquake Plan.
Pick one or more ‘safe places’ in each room of your home.
Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! in each place.
Write the locations of safe places in each room of your home.
Bedroom:___________________ Bedroom:_________________
Living room:________________ Kitchen:___________________
Other rooms:__________________________________________
Choose an out-of-town relative or friend to be family contact
person.
Family contact:_______________ Phone number:_________________
Put together disaster supplies kits.
Location of home kit:_____________ Date assembled:______________
Shoes and flashlight put next to everyone’s bed:___________(date)
Smaller kit put in car:_______________________________(date)
Teach household members how to turn off utilities.
Location of gas and water valves and electrical switches and turnoff
tools:_______________________________________
Install strong latches or bolts on
cabinets.
Secure water heater to wall studs with two
steel straps.
Bolt bookcases, china cabinet, and tall
furniture to wall studs.
Secure items that might fall (TV, books,
computers, etc.).
And remember...when an earthquake, hurricane, fire,
flood, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count
on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you
and your family. That’s been the role of the Red Cross for more than
100 years.
For more information, ask for the following brochures from your
local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office:
Your Family Disaster Plan (ARC4466)
Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit
(ARC4463)
ARC4455
Revised April 1994
American Red Cross
