Earthquake Preparedness: Emergency Plan

 What to do before an earthquake - be prepared!

 Six ways to plan ahead
 What to do during an earthquake
 Indoor safety
 High-rise buildings
 Crowded indoor public places
 Outdoor safety
 Automobiles
 If trapped in debris
 What to do after an earthquake

What to do before an earthquake - be prepared!

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying

potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the
dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing
deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead
lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building
standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home

 Fasten shelves securely to walls.

 Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
 Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low,
closed cabinets with latches.
 Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches,
and anywhere people sit.
 Brace overhead light fixtures.
 Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are
potential fire risks.
 Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the
floor.
 Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if
there are signs of structural defects.
 Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed
cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

 Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

 Against an inside wall.
 Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or
where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
 In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines,
overpasses, or elevated expressways.

3. Educate Yourself and Family Members

 Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross

chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for
information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
 Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and
which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
 Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and
water.

4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

 Flashlight and extra batteries.

 Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
 First aid kit, manual and an earthquake supplies kit.
 Emergency food and water.
 Nonelectric can opener.
 Essential medicines.
 Cash and credit cards.
 Sturdy shoes.

5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

 In case family members are separated from one another during an

earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children
are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
 Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After
a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family
knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

6. Help Your Community Get Ready

 Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency

information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone
numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and
hospitals.
 Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
 Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to
prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during
an earthquake. Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
 Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about
shutting off utilities.
 Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building
codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family
emergency plans.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some

earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might
occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place
and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting
is safe.

Indoor safety

 DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other

piece of furniture - it can provide you with air space if the building collapses, and
if you get under a table and it moves, try to move with it; and HOLD ON on until
the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and
head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. Stay away
from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such
as lighting fixtures or furniture.
 Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and
protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that
could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place. Be sure to have shoes by
 the bedside and put them on before you get out of bed in case there is broken
glass or other objects that have become a hazard. The last thing you need at this
point is cut feet that need urgent care.
 Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you
know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway. Inner walls or door frames
are the least likely to collapse and may also shield against falling objects. If other
cover is not available, go to an inner corner or doorway, away from windows or
glass panels.
 Stay away from glass and hanging objects, and bookcases, china
cabinets, or other large furniture that could fall. Watch for falling objects, such as
bricks from fireplaces and chimneys, light fixtures, wall hangings, high shelves,
and cabinets with doors that could swing open.
 Grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and
broken glass.
 If the lights go out, use a battery-operated flashlight. Don't use candles,
matches, or lighters during or after the earthquake. If there is a gas leak, an
explosion could result.
 If you are in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at the first
sign of shaking.
 Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has
shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a
different location inside the building or try to leave.
 Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire
alarms may turn on.
 DO NOT use the elevators.

High-rise buildings
 Get under a desk and stay away from windows and outside walls. Stay in
the building. The electricity may go out, and the sprinkler systems may come on.
DO NOT use the elevators.

Crowded indoor public places

 If you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doorways. Others
will have the same idea. Move away from display shelves containing objects that
may fall. If you can, take cover and grab something to shield your head and face
from falling debris and glass.

Outdoor safety

 Stay there.
 Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
 Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger
exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of
the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people
ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls.
Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or
injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying
glass, and falling objects.

Automobiles

 If you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as possible

and move over to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires,
and under- or overpasses. Stay in the vehicle, set the parking brake, and turn on
the radio for emergency broadcast information. A car may jiggle violently on its
springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops. If you are in a life-
 threatening situation, you may be able to reach someone with either a cellular or
an emergency roadside assistance phone.
 Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads,
bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

 Do not light a match.

 Do not move about or kick up dust.
 Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
 Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is
available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale
dangerous amounts of dust.

What to Do After an Earthquake

 Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less

violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to
weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even
months after the quake.
 Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest
emergency information.
 Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
 Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has
been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home
only when authorities say it is safe.
 Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are
also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"). When local
 authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is
on the way. Stay away from the beach.
 Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who
may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with
disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured
persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
 Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable
liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other
chemicals.
 Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage
could lead to a fire.
 Inspect utilities.

o Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing
noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the
outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.
If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
o Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse
box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit
breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
o Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect
sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water
pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the
tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

Plan for an emergency: Flood

Before a flood
Prepare your home

 Obtain a copy of your local council's flood plan; it will show the location of problem
areas, evacuation routes and relief centres.
 If you could be cut off by floodwaters, make preparations.
 Work out what the safest route to leave your property will be.
 Organise sandbags and sand; your local council is the best place to start.
 Tune in to your ABC Radio station and keep listening for advice and warnings. You
can find your local station on the ABC Radio frequency finder as well as listen online or
via the ABC Radio app.

What should you do when you hear a flood warning?

 Identify the safest route to your nearest relief centre; leave well before roads are
closed by water.
 Get ready to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to
higher locations.
 Work out which indoor items you want to put in a higher spot.
 Think about what you will do with the contents of your fridge and freezer.
 Check your emergency kit and make plans to keep your pets safe.
 Let friends, family and neighbours know what your plans are.

What to do if you need to evacuate

 Along with your emergency kit, pack warm clothing, essential medications,
valuables, personal papers, mobile phone, photos and mementos in waterproof bags.
 If you can't take your pets with you, decide how you will look after them.
 Raise furniture, clothing and other valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces.
 Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open.
 Turn off power, water and gas.
 Lock your home and take the safest evacuation route out of the area.
 Don't drive in water of unknown depth and current.
 Remember: Walking through floodwater is very dangerous.

Whether you stay or go

 Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all drains; this will stop sewage back-flow.
During a flood

(AAP: Brian Cassey)

 Avoid driving, walking, swimming or playing in floodwater.

 If you are caught in floodwater, call for help immediately.
 If you have to walk through floodwater, do so very carefully — wear solid shoes and
use a stick to check depth and current.
 Avoid drains, culverts and water that is knee-deep or higher.
 Stay well away from fallen powerlines — electrical current passes easily through
water.
 Floodwater may contain sewage, so take precautions.
 Identify your nearest relief centre and the safest route to get there, but only go if you
are sure it is safe.
 Let family and friends know where you are and where you are going.
 Keep listening to your ABC Radio station on a battery-powered radio, listen online or
via the ABC Radio app for updates and instructions.
 Got information that could help others? Get in contact with your ABC Local Radio
station and tell them what you can see; reliable first-hand knowledge can help others in
the community.

After a flood

(ABC News: Tim Leslie)

 Stay tuned to your ABC Radio station on a battery-powered radio, listen online or via
the ABC Radio app for official advice and warnings.
 Don't return home until authorities have said it is safe to do so.
 Don't allow children to play in or near floodwater.
 Avoid entering floodwater — it is dangerous.
 If you must enter floodwaters, wear solid shoes and use a stick to check depth and
current.
 Stay away from drains, culverts and water that is knee-deep or higher.
 Don't turn on your gas or electricity until it has been checked by a professional; the
same goes for appliances.
 Don't eat food which has been in floodwater.
 Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.
 Watch for trapped animals.
 Beware of fallen powerlines.
 Take lots of photos of all damage for insurance claims.
 Let your family and friends know where you are.
In case you become separated from loved ones during an emergency, Red Cross manages
Register.Find.Reunite, a national registration and enquiry service. When the service is
activated, people can register at redcross.org.au or in person at an evacuation or relief
centre.

You can also use the website if you are unable to contact a loved one who may have been
affected.

Emergency services
(Supplied: Conan Whitehouse)

If you need assistance during a flood event, call your local State Emergency Service (SES)
on 132 500 or triple-0 in a life-threatening situation.

 New South Wales State Emergency Service

 Victorian State Emergency Service
 Queensland State Emergency Service
 Western Australia State Emergency Service
 Northern Territory Emergency Service
 South Australian State Emergency Service
 ACT State Emergency Service
 Tasmanian State Emergency Service
 TYPHOON PREPAREDNESS IMPORTANT LINKS (click to view)

TIPS 
ADAPTED FOR THE  LIST OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR
 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A TYPHO
PHILIPPINES
SOURCE: FEMA USA  DISASTER PLANNING (INCLUDES M
Adapted to the Philippines by ManilaTC AND FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS PL

Before a typhoon hits

To prepare for a Typhoon, you should take the following measures:

 To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family
communications plan.
 Know your surroundings.
 Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will
help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are
forecast.
 Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
 Learn community Typhoon evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine
where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
 Make plans to secure your property:
 Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for
windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit
and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
 Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This
will reduce roof damage.
 Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind
resistant.
 Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
 Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and
expensive structural damage.
 Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is
not tied down. 
 In a strong typhoon, A LOOSE OBJECT IS A MISSILE!
 Determine how and where to secure your boat.
 If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

During a Typhoon
If a Typhoon is likely in your area, you should:
  Listen to the radio or TV for information.
 Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
 Turn off utilities (electricity) if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator
thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
 Turn off LPG tanks
 Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
 Moor your boat if time permits.
 Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill
the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
 Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

 If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
 If you live in a weak home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly
hazardous during Typhoon no matter how well fastened to the ground.
 If you live in a high-rise building – Typhoon winds are stronger at higher elevations.
 If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to
your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

 Stay indoors during the Typhoon and away from windows and glass doors.
 Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
 Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of
the storm – winds will pick up again.
 Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
 Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
 Avoid elevators.

After a Typhoon passes...

 Continue listening to Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
 Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the Typhoon or
tropical storm has ended.
 If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or
check the Emergency Numbers Plan
 If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
 Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. 
 Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires;
and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
 Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power
company.
 Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks
and structural damage before entering.
 Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your
home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
 Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its
contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your
residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before
entering.
 Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight
should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could
ignite leaking gas, if present.
 Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild
animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
 Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
 Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
 Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
 Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even
when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the
generator has shut off.