To prepare for an earthquake, FEMA advises that you prepare three things: your home, your family, and your community. Be sure that each member of your family knows what to do during an earthquake. Schedule drills with your family to practice what your earthquake safety plan. These drills should include the specific steps for Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Also, make sure all of your family members know when and how to contact 9-1-1.

Earthquakes may strike at any time, anywhere. Protect yourself and your family by having an earthquake readiness plan in place. Here are some tips for your earthquake readiness plan.

• Take some time to discuss evacuation with your family. Sketch a floor plan of your home; walk through each room and discuss evacuation details.
• Plan a second way to exit each room or area. If special equipment is needed, mark where it is located.
• Mark where your emergency food, water, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers are located.
• Store a type-ABC fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location.
• Mark where the utility switches or valves are located and learn how to turn off your gas and water mains, as well as electricity.
• Indicate the location of your family’s emergency outdoor meeting place.
• Keep several flashlights in easily accessible places around the house.
• Keep a wrench or turn-off tool in waterproof wrap near the gas meter.
• Know whether you live, work or play in a tsunami hazard zone.
• Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio with the Public Alert feature to notify you of tsunamis and other hazards.
• Keep a flashlight, slippers, and gloves next to beds.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Determine safe spaces away from windows in each room of your home. Choose spots where it is unlikely something will fall on you.
• Prepare a disaster kit. Stock up on canned food, a first-aid kit, 3 gallons of water per person, dust masks, goggles, battery-operated radio, and flashlights.

Since quakes are generally erratic, ensure your home can withstand serious shaking, regardless of where you live. There are a few ways you can set up your home for the risk of seismic tremor. For sizeable things that risk toppling, secure them to the divider or floor. You ought to likewise have your home reviewed for damage or cracks and any imperfect wiring or installations, and any repairs must be made as fast as possible. In the event that you live in a territory where tremors are normal, consider bolting your home to its establishment.

Keep all of these tips in mind to make sure you and your loved ones are least affected by any natural disaster especially flooding and earthquakes and the damage to your property is minimized.