Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
The Pacific Northwest is earthquake country, with much of Idaho’s beauty being formed by the seismic forces beneath our feet. Do you know what to do during an earthquake or other natural disaster? Do you have food and water stored for an emergency if grocery store shelves are bare?
Use the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety to ensure you and your family are prepared before, during, and after an earthquake.
Before an Earthquake
1. Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home and Begin to Fix Them
- Unsecured objects in your home or place of business can cause injury during an earthquake.
- Make sure heavy objects, like bookcases, entertainment centers, and large electronic devices are properly secured.
- Identify and secure smaller objects in your home or business that could cause injury or become projectiles during an earthquake.
2. Create A Disaster-Preparedness Plan
- Discuss how to protect yourself during an earthquake, safe spots in every room, and what to do if you are separated.
- Routinely rehearse your plan and practice what to do during an earthquake.
3. Create Emergency Preparedness Kits
- Emergency preparedness kits include supplies you may need when an earthquake hits.
- At a minimum, you should have a three-day supply of food and water with one gallon of water per person per day.
- To learn more about essential items to include in your emergency preparedness kit, visit the American Public Health Association website.
4. Identify Potential Weaknesses in Your Home or Business and Begin to Fix Them
- If you have questions about the ability of your home to withstand an earthquake, you may want to check with a building inspector or structural engineer.
- Take the Structural-Safety Quiz for Homes and Other Buildings on page 30 of the Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho.
During an Earthquake
5. Protect Yourself During Earthquake Shaking
- Stay inside - DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.
- Stay away from windows and doors, hanging objects, large appliances, and cabinets with heavy objects.
- Drop under a desk or table, or if you do not have access to one, drop to the floor against an interior wall.
- Never take an elevator.
- Open and clear areas are the safest.
- Stay away from buildings, windows or overhead objects that might fall.
- Drop to the ground until the shaking stops.
- Slow down and drive to an open place.
- Do not stop on overpasses, underpasses, or bridges.
- Be careful of overhead hazards such as power lines, trees, signs, or falling building debris.
- Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake.
- Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
After an Earthquake
6. After the Earthquake, Check for Injuries and Damage
- Check yourself and family members for injuries and give first aid where appropriate.
- Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
- Check for damage that may cause hazardous conditions, including fire, gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring, downed utility lines, falling items, and spills.
- Aftershocks may occur – remember to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.
7. When Safe, Continue to Follow Your Disaster–Preparedness Plan
- Continue to use your disaster-preparedness plan.
- Continue to watch for hazardous conditions.
- Do not go back into your home until you know it is safe.
- Listen to your portable or car radio for information and safety advisories.
- Try to establish contact with family members and loved ones.
For more information about earthquakes in Idaho and the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, including historical and geological information, see the Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho published by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and the Idaho Geological Survey.