• 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.

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Los Angeles Fire Department
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 485-5971