Disaster Preparedness - Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
Earthquakes can happen without warning, but being prepared can make a significant difference. Seven simple steps taken before, during and after an earthquake can help protect you and your family and make recovery easier.
Before an Earthquake: PREPARE
Step 1: Secure Your Space
Identify hazards in your home or workplace and secure items that could move, fall, or cause injury during an earthquake.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Create an emergency plan for your household or workplace. Decide how you will communicate and where you will meet if you become separated.
Step 3: Gather Emergency Supplies
Keep emergency supplies in convenient, easy-to-reach locations. Include water, food, medications, flashlights, first-aid supplies and other essentials.
Step 4: Protect Your Finances
Organize important documents and consider ways to strengthen your home or property against earthquake damage. Review your insurance coverage so you understand what is, and is not, covered.
During and Immediately After an Earthquake: SURVIVE AND RECOVER
Step 5: Drop, Cover and Hold On
If you feel shaking or receive an earthquake alert, Drop, Cover and Hold On. If you are in a mobility device, follow appropriate safety actions such as Lock, Cover and Hold On.
Step 6: Check for Safety
After the shaking stops, check your surroundings and evacuate if necessary. Help injured people when it is safe to do so, and watch for hazards that could cause additional injury or damage.
After the Immediate Threat: RECONNECT AND RESTORE
Step 7: Come Together and Move Forward
Your preparedness will continue to matter long after the shaking stops. Reconnect with family, friends and neighbors; repair damage when it is safe; and work together to restore your community.
You cannot prevent an earthquake, but you can prepare for one. Take time now to make a plan, secure your surroundings, and gather emergency supplies. When an earthquake occurs, your preparation can make all the difference.
The Great Washington ShakeOut is Thursday October 16, 2026. Take this opportunity to practice what to do in the event of an earthquake! Find out more by visiting this link:
Sources: earthquakecountry.org, shakeout.org, mil.wa.gov
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