Earthquake Safety Tips - (courtesy of Earthquake Country Alliance)
Did You Know?
- Doorways are no stronger than any other part of a structure so don’t rely on them for protection! During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. It will help shelter you from falling objects that could injure you during an earthquake.
- To date, no one has predicted an earthquake. To do so requires identifying the fault, giving the magnitude, and limiting the time period when the event would occur.
- Most homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by earthquakes. Read your policy carefully. Go to the California Earthquake Authority for more information on obtaining earthquake insurance in California. Emergency loans or grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) do not take the place of earthquake insurance. Read up on it at FEMA.gov.
- Mobile homes and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk during an earthquake. Buildings with foundations resting on landfill and other unstable soils are at increased risk of damage.
- Talking on a cell phone takes up the same bandwidth as 800 text messages. After a disaster, use of cell phones can overload and shut down wireless phone service and prevent 911 calls from getting through. To communicate after an earthquake, send a text, don’t call. Even if your text gets a “busy signal” the phone will continue attempting to send the message.
