+ Top Tips

• Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON with all members of your household.
• 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, cover your head, and hold on.

+ Before

• Be aware of evacuation plans for all buildings you regularly occupy.
• Identify safe places in each room of your home, workplace, or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.
• Practice drop, cover, and hold on in each safe place.
• Keep a flashlight and pair of sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
• Make sure your disaster kit is in an easy-to-access location.
• Do a “hazard hunt” in your home. Find items that might fall during an earthquake and secure them. Look for fire hazards, like frayed wires and overloaded outlets, and make them safe.
• Bolt and brace bookcases, cabinets, and overhead light fixtures.
• Avoid hanging heavy items above beds and couches (pictures/mirrors).

+ During

• Drop, cover and hold on. Drop to the floor, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture, and protect your head with one arm while holding on to furniture with the other arm.
• If there is no sturdy furniture to get under, crouch with your back against an interior wall and cover your head and neck.
• If you are in bed, stay in bed and cover your head and neck with your pillow.
• If you are outdoors, move into an open area away from buildings and trees.
• If you’re driving, calmly pull over to a clear area away from bridges and overpasses, and put the car in park.

+ After

• Prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides, or tsunami.
• Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover, and hold on.
• Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping others.
• Get updated emergency information and instructions by listening to local radio or TV stations or by accessing the Red Cross Emergency App.
  

+ Before

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in every bedroom and sleeping area.
• Test smoke alarms at least every six months.
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home.
• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from the stove, space heaters, and fireplaces.
• Turn off the stove if you are going to leave the kitchen, even if you are leaving for a short period.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Unplug kitchen appliances, such as toasters and blenders, if they are not in use.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Know how to shut off your water, power, and gas. Do not turn off the gas unless you know a gas line has ruptured or you smell gas. Your local utility will have to turn it back on.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets.
• If you have bars on doors or windows, make sure they have internal quick-release devices.
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
  

+ During

• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.
• If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs.  Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
• If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed.  Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
  

+ After

• Once you are outside, go to your meeting place or follow your family emergency communication plan.
• Stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.
• People and animals that are severely injured or burned should be seen by professional medical or veterinary help immediately.
• Do not drink water that you think may be contaminated.
• Discard food that has been exposed to smoke or dust.
  

+ Top Tips

• Don’t wait. Evacuate.
  

+ Before

• Keep a “safe zone” of 30 feet around your home, with no dry vegetation or flammable items like propane or firewood.
• Select building materials and plants that resist fire.
• Keep your roof and gutters clean.
• Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications or medical supplies.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. You may need quick, easy access to these documents.
• Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home, such as a small pond, cistern, well, or swimming pool.
• Set aside household items that you can use as fire tools before emergency responders arrive: a rake, ax, hand saw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
• Make sure driveway entrances and your house number or address are clearly marked so fire vehicles can get to your home.
  

+ During

• Listen to local radio and TV stations or access the Red Cross Emergency App for the latest wildfire information and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• Evacuate immediately if evacuation is instructed or if you think the wildfire is close.
• Close all home openings to limit exposure to smoke and dust.
• Move outside furniture and plants indoors.
• If you are trapped outdoors, crouch in a pond, river or pool.
• Do not put wet clothing or bandanas over your mouth or nose. Moist air causes more damage to airways than dry air at the same temperature.
  

+ After

• Do not return until officials declare the area safe.
• Use caution when entering burned areas, as hot spots may still exist and can flare up without warning.
• Wet debris down to minimize breathing in dust.
• Do not drink water that you think may be contaminated.
• Discard food that has been exposed to smoke or dust.
• If you are ordered or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.
• Stay away from the slide area after. There may be danger of additional slides.