Earthquake Preparedness for You and Your Family

Being Prepared BEFORE an earthquake is the best way to ensure you and your family stay safe.  The El Bajio Region is considered an active seismic zone, making this area susceptible to earthquakes.  The probability of a major earthquake actually occurring is small; however, the destruction and disruption of services caused by a major earthquake makes it important to plan for an earthquake ahead of time.

In the event of an earthquake please follow these important steps:

• Stay calm and alert.
• Find shelter in a supported doorway or under a table away from windows.
• If inside a building, use the stairs, not the elevators, to evacuate the building.
• Be aware that there will likely be smaller aftershocks. 

Since earthquakes occur without warning, it is imperative to take steps now to minimize their effects both at work and at home.   Please consider the following, both at work and at home, when preparing for an earthquake:

• Identify safe and dangerous areas in each room.  Dangerous areas may have tall and heavy furniture that could topple, appliances connected to gas and electrical lines, heavy wall pictures or mirrors, and kitchen cabinets that are not secure.
• Instruct your children what to do in case they are at school or are separated from you.  Contact the school for information on emergency plans for that particular school. 
• Maintain emergency supplies at hand including first aid kits, batteries, radio, flashlights, food, water, medications, fire extinguishers, suitable clothing, cash, and tools.
• Remember fire is a common post-earthquake threat.  Know how to cut off gas and electricity to your home.  Make sure gas mains are shut off after an earthquake.  Do not smoke or light matches. 

For further information on earthquake preparedness, please consult the following websites:

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp

http://earthquake.usgs.gov

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/readyearth.html