Did you know 45 US states and territories have moderate to very high earthquake risk? Earthquakes can strike without warning at any time of day or night. Since February is Earthquake Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to learn tips to prepare for and survive an earthquake.

Prepare for an Earthquake

  • Put together an emergency survival kit.
  • Discuss the possibility of an earthquake with your children and create a family disaster plan.
  • Set up a NOAA radio in a central room in your home.
  • Learn the escape routes and evacuation plans for your workplace and your children’s schools/daycare centers.
  • Practice “drop, cover and hold on” in a safe place, such as under the dining room table or another sturdy piece of furniture away from windows and bookcases that could fall on you.

Protect Your Home from a Possible Earthquake

  • Strap your water heater and other gas appliances to the wall. Install flexible fittings to avoid water and gas leaks.
  • Learn how to shut off the gas in your home. Keep a wrench handy for this task.
  • Avoid hanging pictures or mirrors above sofas or beds.
  • Install latches on cabinet doors. Store heavy items on shelves closest to the floor.
  • Anchor tall, freestanding furniture to wall studs.
  • Anchor overhead light fixtures to ceiling joists.
  • Hire a professional to check your home’s structural integrity. Ask for tips to strengthen porches, decks, sliding glass doors and other exterior features.

Stay Safe During an Earthquake

  • If you’re indoors, drop, cover and hold on.
  • If you’re in bed, stay there. Curl up, cover your head and hold on.
  • If you’re outside, find a clear spot to drop to the ground, and stay there until the shaking subsides.
  • If you’re in a car, pull over. However, avoid stopping on overpasses, bridges or near power lines. Stay inside your car until the earthquake ends. When it’s safe, resume driving. If a power line falls on your vehicle, wait for assistance.
  • Avoid walking around while the ground is shaking. Most earthquake injuries are caused by loss of balance, which can result in sprained ankles, fractured bones and
  • If you smell gas, go outside once the earthquake subsides and move far away from the building.
  • Use the stairs rather than the elevator in case of power outages and aftershocks.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Before you leave your safe place, look overhead for any debris that could fall on you, and check for uneven ground that could make you

Knowing what to do before and during an earthquake can be lifesaving. The final step is to recover from the disaster and get things back to normal with help from DKI Services. We are North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization. Our catastrophe response team has the experience and skills necessary to repair the damage to your property. Contact us today to request 24-hour emergency service.