Do you know what to do before an earthquake? Here is how you can plan ahead and protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Create a “Family Disaster Plan”

•Make sure all family members know where the safety zones are in your home.
•Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Develop an emergency communication plan.
• In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long-distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
• Don't forget about your pets. Have extra pet food on hand. If you have to evacuate take your pets with you. Beware: animals may become aggressive after an disaster. Remember that pets are not allowed in public emergency shelters. Local animal control departments will set up emergency pet care facilities. Contact your local Red Cross, Humane Society or local animal control department for locations.

Know your safety zone and hazard locations

• Find safe spots in each room – under a sturdy table or desk, against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you, or in a doorway.
• Find the danger spots in each room – windows, fireplaces, tall, unsecured furniture, cupboards, hanging objects.

Eliminate the hazards

• Know where and how to shut off all utilities.
• Be sure your house is firmly anchored to its foundation.
• Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.
• Store bottled foods, glass, china and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets.
• Install strong latches on cupboards.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Fasten shelves to walls. Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas and inflexible utility connections.
• Fasten water heater to wall studs.

Prepare a disaster supply kit for home and car, including the following:

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Canned food and can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.) Keep essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside, and keep copies of all important documents in a safety deposit box and keep the key with you. Click here for a more detailed, printable list that you can check off. The American Red Cross has first aid and disaster supply kits available. The types of kits offered include:
• Auto first-aid kit perfect for the car or boat
• Deluxe O.S.H.A. first-aid kit for up to a 15-person office or a 5-person work site. Meets O.S.H.A. requirements.
• Mini-trauma first-aid kit for large offices and worksites.
• Family deluxe backpack. Be prepared for emergencies or quick evacuation. Includes cards, crayons and a color book for the kids. You can purchase these kits from your local Red Cross Chapter or by ordering online at the Seattle King County Chapter. Information provided by the American Red Cross.

Do you know what to do during an earthquake? Here is how you can plan ahead and protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Know what to do:

•Drop, cover, and hold on. If you are indoors, get under sturdy furniture, if possible. Stay away from windows and objects that could fall. Do not go outdoors until shaking stops and you know that it is safe to move.
• If you are in a high rise building expect the sprinklers and fire alarm to go off. Stay in the building on the same floor. An evacuation may not be necessary. Wait for instructions from safety personnel. Do not use elevators.
• If you are outdoors drop to the ground. Stay away from trees, power lines, and buildings.
• If you are in car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the earthquake is over. Proceed with caution. Avoid bridges and overpasses. Information provided by the American Red Cross.

Do you know what to do after an earthquake? Here is how you can plan ahead and protect yourself, your family, and your property. Put your disaster plan into action.

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Check on your neighbors who might need special assistance, especially the elderly or disabled. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Use the phone only to report a life threatening emergency.
• Listen to news reports for the latest emergency information.

Check your home

•If water pipes are damaged, shut off the water supply at the main valve.
• Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered with fallen debris and broken glass.
• Check your home for structural damage. Check chimneys for damage.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleach, gasoline and other flammable liquids.
• Visually inspect utility lines and appliances for damage.
• Stay off the streets.
• Stay away from damaged areas, unless your assistance has been specifically requested by proper authorities.
• Be aware of a possible tsunami. Go to high ground and remain there until you are told it is safety to return home. Information provided by the American Red Cross.