Earthquake safety at home

{{whyLabel}}: Unsecured furniture like bookshelves and wardrobes are the primary cause of non-structural injuries during tremors.

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• Identify all furniture over 1 meter (3 feet) tall.
• Use generic L-brackets or flexible nylon furniture straps.
• Ensure screws are driven directly into wall studs, not just drywall.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All tall furniture is physically secured and does not tip when pulled.

{{whyLabel}}: Shaking causes cabinet doors to fly open, turning dishes and glassware into dangerous projectiles.

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• Purchase generic child-proof or earthquake-specific latches.
• Install them on all upper cabinets containing breakables.
• Test that they require a manual release to open.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All upper cabinet doors remain closed even when the unit is shaken.

{{whyLabel}}: A tipped water heater can rupture gas and water lines, causing fires or flooding.

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• Use a generic water heater strapping kit.
• Wrap one strap around the top third and one around the bottom third.
• Secure both ends to wall studs with lag bolts.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The water heater is immobile and securely braced against the wall.

{{whyLabel}}: Items stored high up are likely to fall and cause head injuries or block exit paths.

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• Walk through every room and identify heavy objects (books, vases, electronics) on high shelves.
• Relocate them to hip-level or lower.
• Use museum wax or adhesive putty to secure smaller collectibles.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: No heavy items are stored above shoulder height on open shelving.

{{whyLabel}}: Shattered glass is a major source of lacerations during and after an earthquake.

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• Measure windows and glass doors.
• Apply clear, generic safety/shatter-resistant window film.
• This keeps glass shards together even if the pane breaks.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All large glass surfaces are covered with protective film.

{{whyLabel}}: Water infrastructure is often the first utility to fail and the last to be restored.

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• Store 4 liters (1 gallon) per person per day.
• For a 2-person household, store 112 liters (approx. 30 gallons).
• Use BPA-free containers and store in a cool, dark place.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Total required volume of water is stored and dated.

{{whyLabel}}: You may need to evacuate your home instantly if it becomes structurally unsound.

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• Use a sturdy backpack.
• Pack: Flashlight, extra batteries, whistle, dust mask, multi-tool, and basic hygiene items.
• Include a change of clothes and sturdy walking shoes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A packed bag is placed near the primary exit for every family member.

{{whyLabel}}: Grocery stores may be closed or inaccessible for several days following a major event.

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• Focus on high-calorie, low-sodium foods that don't require cooking (canned meats, peanut butter, granola bars).
• Include a manual can opener in your kit.
• Don't forget food for pets and infants.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Pantry contains 14 days of food specifically designated for emergencies.

{{whyLabel}}: Professional medical help will be overwhelmed; you must be able to treat minor injuries yourself.

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• Include bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape.
• Add a 14-day supply of all essential prescription medications.
• Include a basic first aid manual.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Kit is assembled and stored in an easy-to-reach, central location.

{{whyLabel}}: Earthquakes often happen at night; you need to protect your feet from glass immediately.

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• Place a pair of sturdy, thick-soled shoes in a bag tied to the bed frame.
• Include a flashlight and a pair of work gloves in the same bag.
• This ensures you can move safely even in total darkness and debris.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every bed in the house has shoes and a light source attached or immediately adjacent.

{{whyLabel}}: Local phone lines jam during disasters, but long-distance lines often remain functional.

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• Choose a relative or friend living at least 200km away.
• Ensure every family member has this person's number in their phone and written in their wallet.
• Instruct everyone to text this contact to report their status after a quake.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Contact is confirmed and everyone has the number saved.

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing exactly where to go in 2 seconds prevents panic and indecision.

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• Walk through each room.
• Identify sturdy tables or desks to crawl under.
• If no furniture exists, identify interior walls away from windows and tall objects.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every family member can point to the safe spot in every room of the house.

{{whyLabel}}: Muscle memory is the only thing that works when the ground is shaking violently.

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• Drop: Get down on hands and knees.
• Cover: Protect head and neck with arms; crawl under a sturdy table.
• Hold On: Grip the table leg and stay there until shaking stops.
• Practice this at least twice with all household members.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Drill is completed successfully without hesitation.

{{whyLabel}}: Post-quake fires from gas leaks are often more deadly than the earthquake itself.

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• Find the main gas valve, water main, and electrical circuit breaker.
• Label them clearly with bright, waterproof tags.
• Attach a dedicated wrench to the gas meter with a wire or string.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All adults know where the shut-offs are and how to use them.

{{whyLabel}}: Physical documents can be destroyed or lost; digital access is vital for recovery.

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• Scan IDs, insurance policies, deeds, and medical records.
• Store them on an encrypted USB drive in your Go-Bag and in a secure cloud service.
• Include photos of your home's interior for insurance claims.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All critical documents are accessible digitally and offline.

{{whyLabel}}: This is the most effective way to prevent injury from falling objects during the quake.

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• Do not run outside or stand in a doorway.
• If in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• If driving, pull over to a clear area away from overpasses and power lines.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Shaking has stopped and you are in a protected position.

{{whyLabel}}: Immediate treatment of bleeding or shock can prevent life-threatening complications.

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• Check yourself first, then others.
• Use your First Aid Kit to treat minor wounds.
• Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Everyone's physical status is assessed and stabilized.

{{whyLabel}}: Gas leaks are invisible but highly explosive; fire is the #1 post-quake hazard.

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• Smell for gas (rotten egg odor). If you smell it, shut off the main valve immediately.
• Warning: Only turn off the gas if you suspect a leak. A professional must turn it back on.
• Extinguish small fires with your fire extinguisher.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Home is confirmed free of immediate fire or gas threats.

{{whyLabel}}: Internet and cellular networks may be down; radio is the most reliable source of official info.

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• Use your battery-powered or hand-crank AM/FM radio.
• Tune to local emergency stations for evacuation orders or shelter locations.
• Save phone battery for emergency texts only.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have received the latest official safety updates.

{{whyLabel}}: Aftershocks can cause a weakened building to collapse completely.

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• If you see large cracks in the foundation or walls, leave immediately.
• Use stairs, never elevators.
• Take your Go-Bag and head to your pre-arranged meeting spot.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You are in a safe, open area away from structures.

{{whyLabel}}: Food, water, and batteries expire, making them useless when you actually need them.

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• Set a recurring calendar reminder for every 6 months (e.g., when clocks change).
• Check expiration dates on food and meds.
• Test all flashlights and the emergency radio.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Calendar invite is set and first check is completed.

{{whyLabel}}: People change phone numbers and move; outdated info is a major risk.

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• Verify your out-of-state contact is still willing and able to help.
• Update any new school or workplace emergency procedures.
• Print new contact cards for wallets.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All contact info is verified and updated in all kits.

{{whyLabel}}: Annual large-scale drills reinforce habits and remind you to check your prep.

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• Register at shakeout.org (usually held every October).
• Perform the full drill at home with all family members.
• Use the drill as a trigger to perform your annual home hazard hunt.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Annual drill is logged and completed.