Preparing your home for an earthquake

Most states in the U.S. 经历过地震——大多数在太平洋西北部. The two states reported to have the most earthquakes are Alaska 和 California. Some of the other high-risk states include: Nevada, 夏威夷, Washington, 怀俄明, 爱达荷州, 蒙大拿, Utah 和 Oregon. But almost every state in the U.S. 有一个 chance of experiencing damage from an earthquake.

地震可能是可怕的，并造成重大损失, 但在地震发生前做好准备可以帮助你避免受伤，并为震后做好准备.

使 an earthquake preparedness plan

If you live in an area that 有一个 potential for an earthquake, consider having a plan in place. We recommend the following:

• Document your belongings - Create a home inventory 和 review it annually with your insurance agent. 房屋清单可以帮助分类损坏，并帮助索赔过程.
• Consider earthquake insurance - 大多数标准的房主和租户政策都不包括地震造成的损失. If eligible, insurance coverage for earthquake damage may be purchased as an endorsement. 和你的代理人谈谈，看看你有什么样的pp王者电子官网，你可能需要什么样的pp王者电子官网.
• 使 an earthquake kit – 把补给包放在一起，即使你的建筑严重受损，也能很快到达的地方. 在你的车里和工作场所准备一个工具包也是一个好主意. 把你的用品放在一个容易携带的容器里，比如背包. Consider the following supplies for your kit: 
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • 瓶装水(每个家庭成员至少72小时的供应)
  • 不易变质、高热量的零食(72小时供应)
  • Water 和 food for your pets
  • 鞋子
  • Gloves 和 dust masks
  • Blankets
  • 披风
  • Crank or battery-powered AM-FM radio
  • Flashlight
  • Fire extinguisher
  • A whistle to alert rescuers
  • Power packs for cellphones
  • Spare eyeglasses or contacts if needed
  • Toiletries
  • 现金
  • Copies of personal identification
• Secure your personal documents - 使 sure your important documents are stored in a safe place. Documents, such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, wills 和 any other important records, should be stored in a safe that is rated to withst和 the potential damage.
• 使 a contact list - 创建一个紧急联系人列表，包括宠物的信息. Ideally, 你的联系人名单上可能有一些你所在地区以外的人的名字，因为可能很难联系到同样受到地震影响的人. You should store this list with your earthquake kit.
• Practice earthquake drills - Gather your family 和 practice "drop, cover 和 hold on.“你的家人也应该知道在哪里可以找到地震工具和 how to stay safe during an earthquake.

Secure your home before an earthquake

重要的是要识别危险，然后尽可能地为潜在的地震做好准备. 地震的强大力量甚至可以移动又大又重的物体. 这些重物如果不固定，将会非常危险. 加州大学洛杉矶分校的一项研究发现 1994年北岭地震中55%的伤者 were caused by falling furniture or objects. 考虑以下几点在家应对地震的建议:

• 评估 your structure - 检查一下你的房子或建筑是否有弱点. 常见的弱点包括没有固定在地基上的结构, 下陷或弱化的爬行空间和未加固的砖石墙或基础. 你可能需要咨询专家来评估你的住所.
• Identify potential hazards 和 secure objects - 看看你的住所周围，考虑一下如果摇晃物体是否会掉落或破碎, 和 then safely secure those items.
  • Move heavy or large items to the floor or low shelves.
  • 将物品移离床、门或可能的逃生通道.
  • 将头重脚轻的家具、电器和热水器固定在墙上的螺柱上.
  • Tie down TVs 和 computers with straps.
  • Install latches to kitchen cabinets 和 drawers.
  • Use closed hooks for mirrors 和 pictures.

现在为地震做好准备可能会帮助你, 如果地震发生，你的亲人和你的家是安全的. Next, read about how to stay safe during an earthquake 和 what to do after an earthquake.