Emergencies

• Don't panic. Listen to radio and television reports to learn what actions have been recommended.
• Stay home until directed to do otherwise by officials.
• If you need immediate medical attention for a life threatening emergency, call 911.

• Stay where you are, if you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
• If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture. Stay away from windows and outside doors.
• If you are outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall.
• Don't use open flame, since there may be broken gas lines.
• If you are in a car, stop the car and stay in it until the earthquake stops.
• Expect aftershocks, stay away from damaged buildings.

• Plan several different places you could go and find out where designated shelters are in your area.
• Know the evacuation plans for important locations (work, school, etc.).
• Hotels and motels fill up fast during evacuations. Call and make sure there is room before driving there.
• Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.
• Take your go bag emergency kit.
• Lock your house.
• Leave a note telling people when you left and where you are going.
• Use authorized routes.
• When you are safe, call your out-of-area contact and let him or her know where you are.

• Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen.
• Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffinated fluids. Water, diluted juices and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Keep rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep windows open if necessary.
• Never leave children, the elderly, or those who require special care in the heat.

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear water-repellant clothing.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Wear a hat.
• Make sure small children, the elderly, and those who require special care stay warm.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Use proper heating methods safetly to prevent fires.

• If your home is on fire, get everyone out of the house, and call 911.
• For more information on fire safety click here.

• Seek higher ground.
• Be aware of flash flood areas such as canals, and streams.

• Keep a flashlight and other emergency supplies handy in case of power outages.
• Check the fuse box to see if there is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
• If you rely on electrical medical equipment, such as vetilators and oxygen compressors, plan ahead by talking to you medical supply company about getting bateries or a generator as a back up source.

• Avoid handling metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets and sinks, because electric current from lightening can travel through wires and pipes.
• Avoid taking shelter under trees.
• Unplug computers and other electrical equipment.

• Make sure your emergency kit is stocked for winter conditions.
• Buy rock salt to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel.
• Keep emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Do not overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.