BEFORE

• Fasten shelves securely to walls. Store breakable items (bottled food, glass, china, etc.) in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Hang heavy items (pictures, mirrors, etc.) away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Install flexible pipe fittings to minimize breakage of gas and water lines.
• Secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
• Store flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches on the bottom shelves.
• Choose a safe place in every room (e.g., under a sturdy table or against an inside wall) where nothing can fall on you.

DURING
If Indoors

• Drop, cover, and hold on. Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.
• If you are in a high rise building, do not use the elevators.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• If you are in bed, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow. If there is a heavy light fixture that could fall on you, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is strongly supported and load bearing.

If Outdoors

• Move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a Vehicle

• Stop as quickly and safely as possible, and then remain in your vehicle.
• Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.

If Trapped Under Debris

• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with fabric or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you or use a whistle if one is available.
• Shout only as a last resort - shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

AFTER

• Provide first aid and CPR if trained to do so.
• After-shocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the quake. They can cause further damage to weakened buildings, so proceed with caution.
• Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks - a larger earthquake might occur.
• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live near the coast.
• Pets' behavior may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.

From 1975-1995 there were only four states that did not have any earthquakes. They were: Florida, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Contact your local or Installation's Office of Emergency Management for more information.