EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

In recognition of the 100 year Anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake the San Jose Fire Department would like to provide you some Earthquake safety tips

Before the Shaking Begins:

• Practice DROP, COVER, & HOLD with your family
• Create an out-of-town family check-in plan. Choose an out-of-town relative to contact after an
• earthquake strikes.
• Prepare emergency kits.
• Let friends, neighbors, & family know about any special needs and/or medications you have.
• Create a list of medications and place with your disaster kits.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
• Know how to shut off the gas and water.
• Strap down your water heater and secure heavy or tall furniture to wall studs.
• Secure all cabinets with safety locks.
• Designate a meeting place with your family in an event of an emergency.
• Remember cordless phones won’t work in a power outage. Keep a standard corded phone.
  

What to do when an Earthquake Strikes:

• Drop, Cover, & Hold!
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows.
• If you are in bed, stay there and protect 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. Stay in the car until the shaking has stopped.

After the shaking has stopped:

• Check yourself for injuries. Give first aid and assist others if needed.
• Inspect your home for damage and if unsafe get everyone out.
• Eliminate fire hazards. Only if you smell gas shut it off at the meter.
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one DROP, COVER, & HOLD ON!

Types of Disaster kits:

Grab & Go/Car kits:

• Water
• Extra eyeglasses
• Medication and a list of medications
• Small First Aid kit
• Flashlight with batteries
• Whistle
• Small portable radio with batteries
• Protein bars
• High energy, non-perishable foods such as protein bars, raisons, and peanut butter
  Comfy clothes and sturdy shoes

Home kits:

• Water-1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply is preferable). keep in mind depending on the size of your water heater you could have 30 to 50 gallons available.
• First Aid Kit
• Food (packaged, canned, special diet items) for 3 to 7 days
• Can Opener (non-electric)
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries
• All medications 7-10 day supply and a list of medications
• Non-prescription medications
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• Extra batteries for hearing aids
• Extra pair of house and car keys
• Cash and change (small denominations)

Submitted by: San Jose Fire Department Office of Public Education/Community Outreach