Prepare for Earthquakes with the Great ShakeOutEarthquakes can happen anywhere without warning. So before the floor beneath you starts shaking, dishes tumble from the floor, and pictures fall from the wall, practice what you need to do to stay safe. One way to do this is joining the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, which takes place on Thursday, October 20 this year.  During earthquake drills, participants practice three basic actions that can keep them safe: Drop, cover, and hold on. Here’s how to practice these actions: - Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling objects.
- Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.
- Hold on until the shaking stops. If you are under a piece of furniture, hold onto it with one hand and keep holding on even if it shifts. If you can’t get under something, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
These actions can be modified for people with mobility concerns: - If you use a cane, sit on a chair or bed and cover your head and neck with both hands. Hold your position until the shaking stops.
- If you use a walker or wheelchair, lock the wheels. If using a walker, carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and cover head and neck with your arms, a book or pillow. Hold your position until the shaking stops.
If you live in high-risk areas like Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, or the Mississippi River Valley, you are encouraged to take additional precautions in preparing for an earthquake: - Protect your home by securing heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
- Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact.
- Come up with a plan for where to meet if you and your loved ones get separated.
- Make a supply kit that includes a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle, and enough food for several days.
Click here to register for the Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 20! To learn more, visit FEMA’s protective actions page for earthquakes, which offers research-based actions and advice on earthquakes. More tips are available at Earthquakes | Ready.gov. |
Happy — and Safe — Holidays Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only things that can be scary as Halloween kicks off the holiday season. From fire hazards to online scams, following these tips can help you stay safe during the eventful time of year between Halloween and New Year’s. - Rather than a candle, consider lighting up your jack-o’-lantern with a small, battery-operated flameless one. If you do illuminate it with a traditional candle, remember to blow it out before going to bed or leaving home.
- Only use nonflammable decorations indoors.
- Whether you’re making holiday cookies or the Thanksgiving turkey, practice cooking safety to avoid fires at home. Stay alert in the kitchen and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen.
- Water your Christmas tree regularly. Dry branches are a fire hazard. Turn off the tree’s lights overnight or when you’re not home.
- Place your menorah on a sturdy, non-flammable surface out of the reach of small children and pets. Never leave lit candles unattended.
- When you shop online for holiday gifts, be cautious and avoid scams by shopping with trusted retailers. Be on the lookout for emails that seem too good to be true. Don't click on links!
- Learn the weather and climate risks for the area to which you’re traveling.
- Be sure to consider how COVID-19 may affect your holiday plans. Learn about the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and get county-specific updates on COVID-19 levels.
For more information on holiday safety, visit Ready.gov’s Holiday Safety Social Media Toolkit. You will find tips, graphics, and other content for promoting holiday safety and preparedness. Have a wonderful holiday season! |
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