INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY READINESS

• Create a Family Earthquake Plan.

• Know the safe spot in each room. Under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls. 

• Know the danger spots. Windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces, and tall furniture.

• Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations.

• Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from your local Red Cross or other community organization.

• Decide where your family will reunite if separated.

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.

• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after the quake to report your condition.

• Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged.

• Check chimneys, roofs and wall foundations for stability.

Note: If your home was built before 1935, make sure your house is bolted to its foundation. If your home is on a raised foundation make sure the cripple walls have been made into shear walls. Call a licensed contractor if you have any questions.

• Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.

• Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves.

• Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.

• Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.

• Maintain emergency food, water, medicine, first aid kit, tools and clothing.

• Suggest that local organizations of which you are a member undertake a specific preparedness program or acquire special training to be of assistance in the event of a damaging earthquake.

• Participate in neighborhood earthquake preparedness programs.

• Attend training for neighborhood residents in preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, damage assessment and search & rescue.

• Develop self-help networks between families and your neighborhood through a skills and resources bank which includes a listing of tools, equipment, materials and neighborhood members who have special skills and resources to share.

• Identify neighbors who have special needs or will require special assistance.

• Have your )neighborhood develop a secret signal to notify friends if everyone and everything is OK. Don't use obvious signals. This could identify vacant houses to criminals.

For additional assistance, feel free to contact the Los Angeles Fire Department's Disaster Preparedness Section.

Los Angeles Fire Department
Disaster Preparedness Unit
5021 North Sepulveda Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 USA

Telephone: (818) 756-9674
           Fax: (818) 756-9681