What to do before, during and after earthquakes.

Weather extremes, fault planes, epicenters. We’ve all heard about it on the six o’clock news. But how prepared are we for an earthquake? Let’s look into the basics everyone should know, the supplies we’ll want on hand, and important preparations to take before a quake.

But first, let’s recap some of those lessons we might’ve learned in an earth science class.

What exactly is an earthquake? Simply put, an earthquake occurs when two blocks of Earth slip past each other. Where that slip occurs is called the fault plane and where it originates is called the epicenter. There might be smaller, less discernible foreshocks at a quake’s epicenter before you feel the mainshock, which is the most impactful part of the sequence. Then smaller aftershocks will follow. While they may be less intense they have been known to recur weeks, even years, after the initial jolt and can still cause significant harm.

Overall earthquakes vary in strength, which can range from smaller more subtle shifts to events that are able to cause significant destruction. A quake’s strength will depend largely on the degree of slip and the fault’s size—along with numerous other variables. How it feels to you is contingent on all of those factors and your proximity to its epicenter.

Simple but important steps you can do right now :

Now let’s take a look at a few common-sense strategies to help minimize property damage and injuries caused by falling objects.

Remove anything heavier than a feather from your wall or anything on shelving that resides just above your beds. It’s important to avoid the risk of a heavy object falling down on us while we’re sleeping. The same holds true for heavy or delicate items that could tumble from shelving elsewhere in your house. Consider what might be on display above the couch or crib, the higher an object, the greater the potential for injury or breakage.

All of that shaking can affect items stored inside of cabinetry and lockers as well, rattling doors open and allowing objects to fall off of their ledge. To avoid this, install strong hinges that can stop items from crashing. Heavy hanging objects, such as wall-mounted televisions, should be properly mounted with parts overrated for the object’s weight. Take a look at appliances and utilities, such as water heaters, dryers, and refrigerators—anything that might face the risk of shifting or tipping. Use flexible, bendable pipes that offer some give and strap down all that you can. Checkout these recommendations and consider what what your home might require. Consider hiring a professional if you’re not sure.

If any chemicals or substances are stored in a way that has the potential to react when mixed, move them to a safer and more secure location below eye level with their proper lips or restraints. This holds true for chemicals in your garage as well as your kitchen—think vinegar + baking soda. AidTeam provides related information on methods for protecting your home from fires and documenting your assets for insurance purposes.

After you’ve taken the above preparations, continue to review and update your supplies and records periodically. Set an Annual Reminder! ⏱ – like before the holidays – for checking expirations, replacing batteries, and testing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

Once you’ve settled into a safe location keep aware of new hazards such as fires, including electrical from falling power lines. Careful of chemical spills, damaged foundations and broken glass. Be on the lookout for others with injuries, using your or their first aid kit to provide assistance. If there’s anyone that’s severely injured, try to get them out of harm’s way. Then help to guide emergency workers as they arrive on the scene—paying extra attention to children who might not feel safe.

Remember, that was just the mainshock. Next will come subtler yet still damaging aftershocks that could shift already compromised objects like dishes that are balancing on a ledge, along with critical infrastructure.

You can protect yourself by moving away from already damaged or compromised buildings. Cover your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust and stay alert for new potential hazards. If it’s safe turn off utilities like power, gas and water to reduce further damage.

When the rumbling begins to stop, check yourself for iInjuries first, then help others. As a safety precaution, local utilities may be shut down and access to property or neighborhoods might be limited. Expect communication to be interrupted or lost, help reduce the load on the network and save your battery by sending text messages rather than calling when possible. Buildings might also need to be checked before you can return home.

The aftermath of an earthquake can be taxing, but stay clear and persevere. Reflect on your experiences and learn from your mistakes. And above all, take care of your mental health along with your family’s, your friends’, and neighbors’. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Life can be unpredictable. But with a little due diligence, you’ll have the knowledge and plans you need to remain calm and play it safe in an emergency.