10 Tips to Help You and Your Family During Earthquake

Okay. This is not a techie post at all, but I feel the importance to post something like this in order to spread awareness to the readers on what to do in case of an earthquake. Remember, as always, awareness is the key.

We have been experiencing more tremors lately than in past, specially after the  Japan incident. The most recent major earthquake in Japan is the strongest quake recorded in their history.

The following tips will definitely help you and your family in case of an earthquake. So please spread the word. Share the link to your family and friends.

1. Have an emergency kit.

• Flashlights
• Portable radio
• Batteries
• Water supply that will last at least for 2 weeks
• First-aid kit

2.  Prepare your home.

• Inspect heavy objects that may fall on you during earthquake like cabinets, book shelves, etc. 
• Check if your house sits on a fault line.
• Know the strongest portion of your house

3.  Know your surroundings.

• Set a meeting place for your family in case you get disperse during the quake
• Know the closest emergency stations in your place
• Know the quickest path to get out of your place to move to a safer place

4. Subscribe to alert services.

• Check if your local government provides emergency alert services and subscribe to it
• Subscribe to SMS emergency alert services if your provider is offering one
• Subscribe to email emergency alert services within your community

5. Plan for your pet.

• Your pet can detect in-coming disaster better than you are
• Bring extra water for your pet too
• And your pet doesn't leave you no matter what

6. If you are inside a house or building during an earthquake.

• Drop and take cover underneath a strong piece of furniture
• Expert says do not run to the doorway unless you live in an old house
• Stay away from areas where heavy object will fall

7. If you are outside during an earthquake.

• Stay in the open
• Stay away from the buildings as much as possible
• Stay away from power lines

8. If your driving during an earthquake.

• Stop safely and turn your hazard lights on
• Stay away from buildings, trees or from any heavy objects that may fall on your vehicle
• Stay away from flyovers, bridges, overpasses, underpasses

9. After earthquake, beware of gas leaks.

• Do not use matches, lighters or any ignition sources if you are not sure if a possible gas leak is present
• Double check gas pipes and gas tanks to make sure that there is no gas leak

10. After the earthquake, expect aftershocks.

• Make sure you are still on alert after a major earthquake
• Aftershocks will definitely follow and sometimes more destructive

You can get more details of these tips here.

You can also refer to the list below for more information in what "TO DO" in case of earthquake.

• What to do in case of an earthquake (PDF)
• Earthquake safety tips
• Protect Yourself During an Earthquake... Drop, Cover and Hold on!
• How to prepare and what to do in case of earthquake
• Worst case scenario: Earthquake Survival (Video)

Stay Safe Always!