Prepare for an Earthquake

Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify Safe Places indoors and outdoors like under sturdy furniture or against an inside wall away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency.
If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process.

The contents of your home may be damaged and can be dangerous:

The earthquake can make light fixtures fall, refrigerators and other large items move across the floor, and bookcases and television sets topple over. Look around your house for things that could fall or move.
Do your cupboard doors latch securely? If not, they may fly open and allow dishes to shatter on the floor.
Is your TV and stereo fastened down and are shelves fastened to wall?
Do you have a heavy picture or mirror on the wall over your bed?
Do you have hanging plants or other decorate items that may fall?

You can install door latches, braces and fasteners to fix most of these hazards yourself.

Make sure you set a timeline to complete this task! By giving yourself a deadline, you will be able to complete it in a timely manner.

Conduct a ONE HOUR INVENTORY

Inside your house:

Go through your house/office and video tape/take pictures of your valuables
Remember to include pictures of smaller valuables like jewelry, china, silver, etc.
Also take pictures that include these items in the background for further proof of ownership
Valuations
Document serial numbers, model numbers on big ticket items for insurance purposes
Make note of "risk reduction - elimination" (things you don't replace)
Photograph any important paperwork - car titles - house deeds - passports - birth certificates
Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have the proper coverage - NOTE: most homeowner's policies do not include coverage for flood damage.
- Copy of social security card, drivers license, passport
- Copies of the last 3 years of your tax returns
- SAVE the photos and list on your computer
- SAVE the photos & lists on a flash drive and keep in a safe deposit box
Keep all of your important papers in one location so you can grab and go.

Outside:

Take pictures of the outside of your home / other existing structures
Take pictures of your cars and any outdoor equipment (lawn mowers, patio furniture, gas grill, bicycles, etc.)

Get a Kit

Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
Store it in your shelter location