Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling.
Follow BIS codes relevant to your area for building standards
Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Have a disaster emergency kit ready
Battery operated torch with extra batteries
Battery operated radio
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
Candles and matches in a waterproof container
Knife
Chlorine tablets or powdered water purifiers
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 the disaster; it is often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Help your community get ready
Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices and hospitals.
Conduct week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
Work with local emergency services and officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairment on what to do during an earthquake.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps that reach a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).
If outdoors
Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
