Earthquake

Safe Places
Pick "safe places" in each room of your home. A safe place could be under a sturdy table or desk or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. The shorter the distance to move to safety, the less likely you will be injured. Injury statistics show that persons moving more than 10 feet during an earthquake's shaking are most likely to experience injury.

Drop, Cover & Hold-On
Practice drop, cover, and hold-on in each safe place. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. Practicing will make these actions an automatic response. When an earthquake or other disaster occurs, many people hesitate, trying to remember what they are supposed to do. Responding quickly and automatically may help protect you from injury.
Fracture in the Ground
Practice drop, cover, and hold-on at least twice a year. Frequent practice will help reinforce safe behavior.

Insurance
Talk with your insurance agent. Different areas have different requirements for earthquake protection. Study locations of active faults, and if you are at risk, consider purchasing earthquake insurance.

Share Your Plan
Inform guests, babysitters, and caregivers of your plan. Everyone in your home should know what to do if an earthquake occurs. Assure yourself that others will respond properly even if you are not at home during the earthquake.

Get Training
Take a first aid class from the American Red Cross. Get training on how to use a fire extinguisher from the Cole County Fire Protection District or the Jefferson City Fire Department. Keep your training current. Training will help you to keep calm and know what to do when an earthquake occurs.

Discuss Earthquakes
Discuss earthquakes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing earthquakes ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.