What do I do when an earthquake occurs?
If you are inside, drop to the floor and take cover under a piece of sturdy furniture. Stay away from windows and
things that could fall or break. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
If you are outside, avoid buildings, trees, power lines and overpasses. In a mountainous area, be prepared for rock
slides. Along the coast, you should move to higher ground since tsunamis often result from an earthquake.
If your gas or water lines rupture, or power lines are broken, turn your utilities off. Don’t drink tap water until it has
been declared safe.
The motion from an earthquake causes items in your house to shift, so be very careful when you open cabinets
or closets.
What do I do once the danger has passed?
Check your foundation, walls and chimneys for cracks or other structural damage that may need to be repaired.
Take pictures and videos of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks
or other damage.
Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs
have all their supports.
When safe, follow your family’s disaster preparedness plan.
Understand how to safely deal with electricity during and after storms by reviewing the electrical safety tips posted
at homedepot.com/weather.
Review these Project Guides on homedepot.com to find tips on repairs that might need to be made
after an earthquake:
Replacing Window Glass
Repairing Concrete Steps
Repairing Decking or Joists
Repairing & Maintaining Fences & Gates
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Helpful products for drought
earthquake
preparation
recovery:
preparation
andand
recovery?
Air Filters
Batteries & Chargers
Broom
Buckets & Mop Pails
Caulking & Sealant
Cleaning Solutions
Cloth & Duct Tape
Concrete, Cement & Masonry
Construction Adhesive
Cordless Drill
Cordless Screwdriver
Dust Masks & Respirators
Extension Cords
Exterior Paint & Stain
First Aid Kit
Flashlights
Grill
Hammers, Mallets & Sledges
Insect & Mosquito Control
Interior Paint
Ladder
Lag Screws
Measuring Tape
Nails
Paint Brushes
Paint Brushes & Roller Covers
Pipe Wrench
Plastic Sheeting
Pliers
Plywood
Portable Generator
Pruning Shears
Rags, Cloths & Sponges
Saw Horse & Workbench
Screwdriver (Hand Tool)
Tarps
Tools & Hardware
Trash & Refuse Bags
Utility Knives & Blades
Water Heater Earthquake Restraining Straps
Water Heater
Wood Screws
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