When an Earthquake Strikes, Will you be Prepared?

WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES, WILL YOU BE PREPARED? Having a plan in place before an earthquake strikes goes a long way toward keeping you, your friends and your neighbors safe. Here are some tips for staying prepared. THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW Look Up! Z, Consider what you have sitting on shelves or hanging on walls that could fall or shatter during an earthquake. • Keep heavy, metal, or glass objects in Don't Sleep Under a Window, Because... low-to-the-floor locations • Store lighter, shatterproof items such as plastic storage bins higher up • Windows shatter • Tree branches and other debris might crash through a window • Shattered glass can cause serious injuries • Like your bed, be cautious of where you place your sofas and chairs too Fasten Large Items to Walls TIL Bolt items to wall studs to prevent them from collapsing or falling over. Assemble Grab • Shelves • Cabinets • China closets • Heating units & Go Emergency Kits You'll want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, extended event. • Medications • Bandages • Dry food • Water • Flashlights • Can Openers • Battery-operated radio • Pet Food • Extra Set of Car Keys • Extra Phone Charger • Durable shoes for each family member Plan to Stay Informed • Find out if the neighborhood or city in which you live has an alert system in place • Ask your property management company about email emergency update systems • Visit your local emergency management office to learn about post-earthquake information systems DURING AN EARTHQUAKE Know How to React • Drop to the floor • Try to get near an interior wall • Take cover under a sturdy table to avoid falling debris • Ifyou're in bed, stay there, curl up and cover your head with a pillow for the duration Red Cross Warning: Do not hide under a doorway! Stay Indoors • Don't try to escape your building during an earthquake • Resist your instinct to bolt • Wait until the shaking stops to exit • Always take the stairs instead of an elevator If You're in a Car, If You're Outdoors, Use Good Sense Pull Over in a Safe Area • Take cover until the shaking stops • Find an open area • Stay away from trees, power lines, street lights, or buildings • Stay away from bridges, trees, and power lines • Keep your seatbelt fastened until the quaking stops IN THE AFTERMATH Stay Informed Think of Your Neighbors • Remember your plan? • Keep in mind elderly and disabled neighbors who may need help reaching safety • Find out if ayone near you is injured and needing medical attention • Share your Earthquake Preparedness Plans with your neighbors and encourage them to be prepared, too Access any emergency updating systems you can • Use your smartphone to check social media for updates • Contact out-of-town relatives for information to help you plan your next steps Expect Aftershocks • In the days, weeks, and months following the initial earthquake you can expect to feel aftershocks • During an aftershock, follow the safety tips listed above • Get down and hold on! Clean Up Any Danger Spots • Look around your home or your building for danger spots • Clean up flammable liquid spills • Extinguish small fires Safety First – do not put yourself or anybody else in harm's way! For more advice on how you can prepare for an earthquake, contact FirstService Residential today. FirstService RESIDENTIAL NN