Each region of the United States has its natural challenges. The northeast has snow, the southeast has hurricanes and the western part of the country sometimes has to deal with earthquakes. It can be frightening to be in an earthquake, but if you know what to do to make yourself safe during a quake then you can increase your chances of survival.

Pre-Emptive Planning

According to Earthquakecountry.info, safety planning for an earthquake should begin before the quake hits. People who move into an earthquake-prone region should take steps to limit property damage and injury. Make sure that all furniture such as bookshelves, televisions and kitchen appliances are secured to a wall or a solid frame within the house. If you plan on putting any large lawn statues around your house, secure them to the ground to prevent them from falling during a quake. Firmly bolt your water heater to the basement floor, or, if it is a tankless water heater, securely install it to a wall. Secure all large items before a quake and they are less likely to cause damage or injury .

Designate Safe Areas

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, if you are in the house when a quake hits then there should be pre-designated areas you can run to for protection. Hide under a large and sturdy table and hold on to the table until the quake is over. If there are no tables or large desks in the room, then lean up against an interior wall and cover your head with your arms. Stay away from walls that are exposed to the outside, and do not lean against a wall that has heavy objects hanging on it. Know where these areas are within your house and develop a plan that you and your family can go over each month so that everyone knows what to do if an earthquake hits when they are home. Part of your plan should include an area where the family can meet when the quake is over to make sure that everyone is all right.

After the Quake

Trevco.net suggests having an earthquake kit ready to deal with the possible aftermath of a quake. A first-aid package should be included along with an adjustable plumber's wrench to turn off the water to your house. If the electrical lines around the house are damaged then turn off the power to the house, and if the gas lines have been ruptured then turn off the gas supply as well.

Source:

US Department of the Interior - Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

Earthquakecountry.info - Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety