Can You Go It Alone For Three Days?

The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical.

Electricity, gas, water, and telephones may not be
working. In addition, public safety services such
as police and fire departments will be busy
handling serious crises. You should be prepared
EARTH
QUAKE
to be self-sufficient—able to live without running
water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones—for
at least three days following a quake. To do so,
keep on hand in a central location the following:
■ Food. Enough for 72 hours, preferably one week.
■ Water. Enough so each person has a gallon a day
for 72 hours, preferably one week. Store in airtight
MOST CALIFORNIANS
containers and replace it every six months. Store
disinfectants such as iodine tablets or chlorine LIVE NEAR AN ACTIVE
bleach, eight drops per gallon, to purify water if
necessary. E A R T H Q U A K E F A U L T.
■ First aid kit. Make sure it’s well stocked, W H AT C A N Y O U D O ?
especially with bandages and disinfectants.
■ Fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should Follow the guidelines
be suitable for all types of [Link] all family in this Brochure.
members how to use it.
■ Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep
flashlights besides your bed and in several other
locations. DO NOT use matches or candles after an
earthquake until you are certain there are
no gas leaks.
■ Portable radio with extra batteries. Most
telephones will be out of order or limited to
emergency [Link] radio will be your best
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

source of information.
■ Extra blankets, clothing, shoes and money.
■ Alternate cooking sources. Store a barbecue or
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9047

camping stove for outdoor camping. CAUTION:

Ensure there are no gas leaks before you use any
kind of fire as a cooking source and do not use
charcoal indoors.
at [Link]
Visit our Web site
P.O. Box 419047

■ Special items. Have at least a week’s supply of

medications and food for infants and those with
special needs. Don’t forget pet food.
■ Tools. Have an adjustable or pipe wrench for C a l i f o r n i a G o v e r n o r ’s O f f i c e
turning off gas and water.
of Emergency Services
Wa n t t o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t e a r t h q u a k e p r e p a r e d n e s s ? C o n t a c t y o u r l o c a l O f f i c e o f E m e r g e n c y S e r v i c e s o r T h e A m e r i c a n R e d C r o s s .

Before An Earthquake During An Earthquake

Would you be ready How well you, your family and your home survive an ■ If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table or
earthquake often depends upon how well you prepare stand in a corner.
beforehand. Develop a family and neighborhood
to ride it out if an earthquake [Link] following checklist will help you ■ If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees,
buildings, walls and power lines.
get started:
■ Prepare an emergency kit of food, water, and ■ If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows
earthquake hit today? supplies including a flashlight, portable battery- and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use
operated radio, batteries, medicines, first aid kit, elevators.
money and clothing. ■ If driving, pull over to the side of the road and
With some basic planning and ■ Know the safe spots in each room—under sturdy stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside
tables, desks, or against interior walls. your car until the shaking is over.
thinking ahead, preparing your ■ Know the danger spots—near windows, mirrors, ■ If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the
hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured doors. Crouch and cover your head and neck with
home or furniture. your hands and arms.
■ Conduct practice drills so you and your family
workplace know the safe locations in your home.
After An Earthquake
■ Decide how and where your family will reunite if
for an separated during a quake. Unless there is an immediate, life-threatening
emergency, do not attempt to use the telephone.
■ Choose an out-of-state friend or relative who family After a quake, be sure to:
earthquake is members can call after the quake to report their
whereabouts and conditions. ■ Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical
[Link] tips wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn the
■ Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary
utility off at the source and immediately report gas
resuscitation.)
on what to do leaks to your utility company. Check for downed
■ Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in power lines; warn others to stay away.
case the lines are damaged. SAFETY NOTE: Do not
before, during and attempt to relight the gas pilot. Call the utility ■ Check your building for cracks and damage,
company. including the roof, chimneys and foundation.
after an earthquake were devel ■ Turn on your portable radio for instructions and
■ Check chimneys, roofs, walls and foundations for
stability. Make sure your house is bolted to its news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully
oped by the California Governor’s foundation. with public safety officials and follow instructions.

■ Secure your water heater and major appliances as ■ Do not use your vehicle unless there is an
Office of Emergency Services to well as tall, heavy furniture, hanging plants, mirrors emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency
and picture frames—especially those over beds. vehicles.
help you get ready to ride it out! ■ Be prepared for aftershocks.
■ Keep breakables, heavy objects, flammable or
hazardous liquids such as, paints, pest sprays and
[Link] ■ Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
cleaning products, in secured cabinets or on lower
shelves. ■ If you evacuate, leave a message at your home
■ Organize your neighborhood to be self-sufficient telling family members and others where you can
after a quake. be found.