Home Activities

Being prepared at home is the single most important thing to help the community when an earthquake strikes. 
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What specific things to do:
“What are the three easiest things I can do to prepare my family for an earthquake?”

Simplistically the three easiest are to :
Survey, Supply and Reach Out:
  • Survey (Survey the home and family)
    • Look for things that might fall over
    • Know how to shut off the utilities
    • Discuss earthquakes with the family
  • Supply (Supply the home for the family’s needs)
    • Have extra food, water and first aid kit/medicine
    • Keep the gas tank full
    • Have blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothes available
  • Reach Out (Reach out to your neighbors)
    • Know your neighbors
    • Know your neighborhood
    • Know your community
  • Conduct a Home Hazard Hunt (PDF)
Being prepared for an earthquake is the responsibility of each one of us – you are critical to community resilience!

10 Steps To Prepare 

Here are ten steps that you can follow at home and in the office to ensure your safety:
  • Secure heavy items of furniture using flexible nylon straps with peel and press application.
  • Secure TVs and other electronics using flexible nylon straps with adhesive buckles.
  • Secure breakables and collectibles with Quake putty, wax or museum gel.
  • Store emergency tools, including gas shut-off wrench and safety lightsticks.
  • Prepare emergency supplies (food, water, blankets) and First Aid kits, including prescription medications.
  • Learn how to turn off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
  • Know the safe spots in every room - under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls, and know the danger spots - windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces, tall furniture.
  • Secure water heaters with two-strap kits.
  • Create a disaster preparedness plan so that everyone in the family will know what to do in the event of a quake or other emergency.
  • Decide where your family will reunite if separated and choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after an earthquake to report whereabouts and conditions.

By following these guidelines you will reduce the chances of injuries to you and your loved ones and lessen the likelihood of having household contents damaged or destroyed in an earthquake.

Dry Toilets

This guide presents a toilet system that you can do yourself.
​This system served after earthquakes destroyed sanitation systems in Haiti and New Zealand 

Fire ​Extinguisher (Updated)

Stop Objects falling (secure it):

  • ​​Museum Putty or Wax, Quakehold! - securing antiques and collectibles from falling ​
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  • Clear Museum Gel to secure clear objects superior invisible bond
  • Velcro - to hold down video screens etc...
  • QuakeHold! Furniture Straps - this is the strongest, most versatile strap 
  • Push latch /child - proof latch prevent cabinet doors from flying open
  • ​L-Brackets and 3" screws - secure bookcases and all items
  • ​Rubber matting - Secure stacked china plates