Would you know what to do if an earthquake starts while you’re at home, while you’re driving or while you’re at work? Is a doorway one of the best places to be in an earthquake? If you’re in a building, should you run outside?
Read this informative guide so that you know some of the best ways to protect yourself and your family during a seismic event. You’ll learn a number of facts that could save your life. A doorway, by the way, isn’t a good place to go in the event of an earthquake, and running outside probably isn’t such a good idea, either!
What you do before an earthquake also matters, of course. Experts estimate around 20 minutes is all the time you need to identify the potential hazards in your home that could cause injury or death during those terrifying seconds of an earthquake. Here’s a great guide that can help you. Once you have that list in hand, set aside a few minutes each week to address those hazards. Here are some of the most important steps to take, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
- Fasten heavy items such as bookshelves, pictures and mirrors securely to walls and away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.
- Have your water heater and other heavy appliances secured.
- Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.