BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
- Teach everybody in the family (if they are old enough) how to turn off the water and electricity.
- Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas.
- Repair loose roof shingles.
- Secure water heaters to wall studs or masonry using a bracing kit, to reduce the possibility of the heater falling and rupturing gas and water connections.
- Secure major appliances to walls, such as refrigerators.
- Secure costly and heavy electronics.
- Secure the tops of top-heavy furniture to a wall by anchoring to studs and using flexible fasteners. Keep heavy items on lower shelves.
- Secure expensive or fragile items that if damaged would be a significant loss.
- Affix mirrors, paintings and other hanging objects securely, so they won’t fall off hooks.
- Locate beds and chairs away from chimneys and windows. Don’t hang heavy pictures and other items over beds. Closed curtains and blinds will help stop broken window glass from falling on beds.
- Put anti-skid pads under TVs, computers and other small appliances, or secure them with Velcro or other such product.
- Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out.
- Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill.
- Secure items in the garage to reduce hazardous material spills and damage to vehicles.
- Consult a professional for additional ways to protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
- If you live in an apartment block or a multi-storey building, work with your building manager or condominium board to decide how best to “quake-safe” your unit. Seek advice from professionals (building engineers, emergency preparedness authorities) if you are unsure about what to do.
- If you live in a mobile home, you can leave the wheels on the mobile home to limit its fall. Or, you can install a structural bracing system to reduce the chance of your unit falling off its supports. Ensure the awning on your home is securely supported and fastened to the unit. For information on the best way to brace your unit, contact your local mobile home dealer or a mobile home owner's association.
- Review your Emergency Plan with your family.
- Have an emergency kit that will sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.
- Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker. Check your coverage – it could affect your financial ability to recover losses after an earthquake.
Source http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/rthqks-wtd/index-eng.aspx#s5
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NATURAL LANGUAGE
- Get a box for it to be a disaster supplies box and be sure to put first aid kits, water bottles (1 Gallon), non-perishable and easy to prepare food, flashlights, extra batteries, band-aids, medications and medical items, multipurpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, and whistles.
- Make sure that everyone in the family knows where the disaster supplies box is.
- Plan with your family what to do and how to communicate when the earthquake strikes.
- Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing movable items.
- Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
- Make sure to know what to do when an earthquake occurs (e.g. have regular earthquake drills)