This information is adapted from information prepared by the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency “Family Disaster Plan,” as well as from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and ABAG.
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Make an emergency plan
- 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, and make sure that everyone in your family knows who this person is and their phone number.
- Take a first aid class. Keep your training current.
- Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Inform your out-of-state family contact, babysitters, sports coaches, and caregivers of your plan.
Know what to do when the shaking begins – If you are at HOME
- DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. DROP to the floor. Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table. HOLD ON. The desk or table may move. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows and brick or stone fireplaces. 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 (including brick or stone chimneys), trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
Know what to do if you are in your CAR
- Slow down. Pull over if shaking starts again.
- Turn on radio for emergency bulletins (KGO 810, KCBS 740, and KLIV 1590 in the Bay Area).
- Proceed cautiously (if safe to do so).
- Obey “road closed” signs.
- Give repair and emergency vehicles a break.
- DO NOT attempt to cross damaged roads.
- DO NOT go near downed power lines.
- DO NOT stop under underpasses or on bridges.
- DO NOT drive through water.
- DO NOT abandon your car, except if it is unsafe to stay with it. If it must be abandoned, it should not be left in a traffic lane. If forced to abandon it in a traffic lane, leave the keys in it.
- Find more info from ABAG on Driving After Disasters
Know 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.)
- Turn on radio for emergency bulletins (KGO 810, KCBS 740, and KLIV 1590 in the Bay Area).
- Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
- Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
- Change your voice mail message to say “I’m OK.”
- Don’t panic!