How to survive a significant earthquake

The recent Anchorage, Alaska, 7.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami warning, which was later canceled, reminds San Diego residents to be prepared for these kinds of unpredictable disasters. Having a disaster plan and supplies and practicing disaster response with the family could mean escaping serious harm.

Residents who live in seismic zones like San Diego County should know what to do before, during and after a significant earthquake. Most people who are killed or injured during earthquakes are hurt by falling objects around them.

San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Services recommended that everyone in a family, including children, know how to drop, cover and hold. Practicing what to do during an earthquake takes less than two minutes.

If someone is inside during an earthquake, drop down to avoid falling over during the shaking; they should seek cover under a sturdy table or desk for protection from possible falling debris and use one hand cover their head, while using the other hand to hold on to the table in case it slides away, leaving them exposed. Try to seek cover where there are no overhanging fixtures, windows or heavy furniture that could topple over.

If someone is inside during an earthquake and there’s no table or desk to get under, it is recommended that they move toward an interior wall with nothing above it or affixed to the wall that could fall onto them. Make sure there is no window nearby or heavy furniture that could be knocked over onto them either. They should cover their head with their hands.

If they’re in bed when an earthquake occurs, they can cover their head with their hands and a pillow and make sure they are not under an overhead fixture or shelf. Be careful of broken glass or debris when getting out of bed afterward.

If someone is outside when an earthquake happens, they need to be in a clear area away from buildings where the facade might crumble; they should make sure they’re not under any utility lines, trees or bridges.

If someone is driving, pull over to the side of the road, stop and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If near a shoreline, they should drop to the ground in a clear area and cover their head. Then as soon as they can walk, move inland or to higher ground in case of a tsunami. Walking is recommended over driving to avoid congestion.

For more specific situations, visit ShakeOut.org’s earthquake safety tips at http://www.earthquakecountry.org/step5/ or visit http://www.ReadySanDiego.org to learn more about earthquake safety or tsunamis.

An emergency family plan template is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese. The template includes a list of important items to assemble in a disaster emergency kit.

In addition to making a plan for what to do during an earthquake, residents can prepare by walking around their home and securing furniture and wall hangings to prevent items from falling over during intense shaking and injuring someone.

After a significant earthquake, residents should be prepared for aftershocks, check themselves and others for injuries and check the structure for damage or gas leaks or fires.

Residents are also encouraged to register their cellphones on AlertSanDiego http://www.readysandiego.org/alertsandiego, the county’s emergency notification system and download the SD Emergency app at no cost.