Emergency Preparedness

Prepare Before an Earthquake

• Practice how to protect yourself during earthquakes, with family and coworkers.
• Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out of state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and whistle.
• Protect your home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.

Stay Safe After an Earthquake

There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.

• Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold on if you feel an after shock.
• If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building, Do not enter damaged buildings.
• If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
• Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.

Prepare for Extreme Heat

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find cooling options in your area.
• Cover windows with drapes and shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building's attic by clearing out hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Preparing for a Tornado

• Know your area's tornado risk.
• Know the signs of a tornado.
• Sign up for your community's warning system.
• Pay attention to weather reports.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter.
• Plan for your pet.
• Prepare for long-term stay at home or sheltering in place.

Staying Safe After a Tornado

• Pay attention to weather alerts.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Wear appropriate gear during clean-up.

Preparing for a Flood:

• Make a plan for your household, including your pets.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

Staying Safe After a Flood:

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
• People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.