FEMA Public Service Announcements

Earthquake: 30s

1. Reducing Risk in the House

ANNCR: Earthquakes strike without warning. To reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life, fasten freestanding shelves securely to walls so they won't suddenly topple over. Also store weed killers, pesticides, acids and flammable products on the bottom shelves of closed cabinets with latches. And secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor. For more free information visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov.

2. Emergency Kit

ANNCR: Will you be prepared when the next earthquake strikes? Right now, gather items to make an emergency supply kit. You'll need a waterproof flashlight, a battery-operated radio and lots of extra batteries. A first aid kit is essential, and you'll want a three-day supply of food and three gallons of water for everyone in the family. Don't forget, you'll need a non-electric can opener. For more information, visit the FEMA website is w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov.

3. Identify Safe Areas Indoors and Outdoors

ANNCR: You just never know where you're going to be when the next earthquake strikes. Right now, identify safe places in and around your home and business. Look for sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table and plan to get under it in a hurry. Outdoors, you'll be safer if you get away from buildings, trees, overhead wires, overpasses or elevated expressways. For more free information on earthquake preparedness and mitigation, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov.

4. Utilities and Pets

ANNCR: Now is the time to prepare your home and family in order to survive the next earthquake. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water to help prevent damage to your home. Pets are not allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on safeguarding your pet. Plan ahead, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

5. Emergency Communications Plan

ANNCR: For the safety and well being of your family, develop a family emergency communication plan. Every family should have a plan for getting back together in case they're separated from one another during a disaster. Everyone in the family should agree to call the same out-of-town friend or relative and leave a message about where you are. For other important safety information visit the FEMA Internet website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov, or contact your local Red Cross.

6. Discuss Earthquake Safety With Your Children

ANNCR: Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Children are particularly at risk if they don't know what to do. Teach your children about protecting themselves from injury during earthquakes. Be sure to point out places of safety in every room of the house, and for fun, have them practice diving for cover. For more free information on helping kids prepare for an earthquake, visit the FEMA for Kids Website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov slash kids.

7. Earthquake: Survival Information

ANNCR: Earthquakes can strike suddenly and without warning. Whether you're at work or at home during an earthquake, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall, and hold on! Stay inside. The most dangerous thing to do during an earthquake is to leave the building, If you are outdoors, move into the open and away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires. For more information visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov.

8. Returning Home: Check for Damage to Utilities

ANNCR: Earthquake dangers do not end when the ground stops shaking. Damaged buildings can collapse suddenly and without warning. Beware of downed power lines and loosened wiring, they pose a threat of electrical shock. Natural gas leaks can lead to fires and explosions, and spilled chemicals can produce toxic fumes. When returning home after an earthquake check for damage to the utilities. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.