1. Earthquake
Readiness
presented by
The Office of Mission Assurance

2. Earthquake Basics
An earthquake is a sudden movement of the earth, caused by the abrupt release of strain in the Earth’s crust that has accumulated over a long time.
Earthquakes strike without warning.
Effects on buildings will vary from building to building.
Fire alarm or sprinkler systems may be activated.
Elevators and stairways may be damaged.
Earthquakes are most likely to strike in high-seismic areas.  

3. USGS National Seismic Hazard Map
displaying intensity of potential ground shaking from an earthquake in 50 years

4. Before an Earthquake Step 1: Secure Your Space.
Arrange your work area for safety.
Anchor bookcases, large file cabinets, and artwork.
Store heavy objects on low shelves.
Step 2: Make a Plan for Yourself and Your Family.
You probably won’t be together, so make sure to have a communication plan.
Step 3: Organize Disaster Supplies.
First aid kit, tools & supplies, food, medications, etc.
Step 4: Minimize Financial Hardship.
Make copies of important documents and contacts, keep a record of personal property, and consider keeping a small emergency fund.

5. During an Earthquake Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
Indoors: Find an inside corner of the room away from windows and objects.
Outdoors: Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Moving vehicle: Stop as soon and safely as possible. Stay in the vehicle.

6. During an Earthquake DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees.
This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.
If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows).
Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until shaking stops.
No shelter: hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
Under shelter: hold on with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.

7. After an Earthquake
Step 6: Improve Safety. After the shaking has stopped, look around for additional hazards.
Check for injuries.
Expect aftershocks.
If it’s safe, leave the building and go to a safe place.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On during aftershocks.
Step 7: Reconnect and Restore. After assessing life safety issues, begin recovery actions to return to operating conditions.

8. Great ShakeOut / READY.GOV
Great ShakeOut earthquake drills improve preparedness.
Participate in a drill by registering for the next Great ShakeOut Drill scheduled on October 19, 2017 at 10:19 a.m. EST.
Promote preparedness all year long by utilizing the 2017 National Seasonal Preparedness Messaging Calendar.
Participate in National Preparedness Month in September.

9. More Information
Link to youtube PSA: (featuring Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock”)