EarthquakesIf your home has an above-ground propane tank, here’s what

is recommended to avoid the post-earthquake fire hazard

associated with them:

• Mount the tank to a concrete pad, bolting down the legs.

• Install flexible hose between tank, supply line and home.

• Clear area of objects that may fall, rupturing tank or supply line.

• Keep a wrench tied on a cord near the shut-off valve. Make

sure family members know how to use it.

The California Office of Emergency Services recommends:

1. If indoors, duck or drop down to the floor, taking cover under

a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on and be prepared

to move with it, remaining in position until the ground stops

shaking and it’s safe to move. Avoid windows, fireplaces, wood

stoves, heavy furniture or appliances. In a crowded area, take

cover and stay put.

2. If outside, get into the open, away from buildings, power lines.

3. If driving, remain in your car. Stay away from bridges, tunnels,

overpasses. Move your car out of traffic, but avoid stopping under

trees, light posts, power lines or signs.

4. In a mountainous area, or near unstable land, be alert to falling

rock and debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

5. If you are at the beach, move to higher ground.

1. Check for injuries, giving first aid as needed. Move seriously injured

persons only if they’re in immediate danger. Call for help.

2. Check for hazards, avoiding unnecessary risks. If you see any major

damage, turn off gas, electricity and water until each has been

properly inspected. Do not touch downed power lines or objects

in contact with them. Do not expect telephones to work; do not

use them except in extreme emergencies. Be careful of fallen,

displaced objects when opening closets or cupboards.

3. Clean up. Potentially harmful materials may have spilled. Wear

sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris.

4. Expect aftershocks. Most are smaller than the main earthquake.

Stay out of already weakened and damaged homes.

PROPANE TANKSPROPANE TANKS

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKEWHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKEWHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

PROTECT YOURSELFPROTECT YOURSELF

EARTHQUAKES STRIKE SUDDENLY,

VIOLENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING.

IDENTIFYING AND ELIMINATING POTENTIAL

HAZARDS AHEAD OF TIME CAN REDUCE

THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS

OF LIFE.

BE PREPARED—WHAT YOU DO

IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

MAY PREVENT INJURIES AND SIGNIFICANT

FINANCIAL LOSS.

1. Practice duck, cover and hold drills at home with your family

and at work.

2. Develop an earthquake plan. Your local American Red Cross chapter

can help you develop plans for your home, work and neighborhood.

Discuss the plan(s) with all family members, and instruct children

what to do in the event they’re at school.

3. Know the following:

• What to do during and after an earthquake.

• The safest place in your home.

• Exits and alternative exits at home and work.

• How to shut off gas, electricity and water.

• How to provide first aid, rescue people trapped under debris,

find help for dire emergencies and assist others, especially

the elderly and disabled. Ask your local American Red Cross

office for more information.

• Local school policy on release of children after an earthquake.

4. Store emergency supplies. Medical aid, transportation, water,

electricity and communication may be unavailable for days or

weeks. Be prepared to take care of yourselves and your neighbors

for at least three days (longer in remote areas).

5. Make special provisions for elderly or disabled family members.

6. Make special provisions for pets, such as confinement to a room

in your house, as they may not be allowed in shelters.

• Move heavy items, such as pictures, mirrors or tall dressers away

from your bed.

• Secure tall furniture with lag bolts to wall studs.

• Fasten shelves securely to walls.

• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.

• Put latches on cabinet doors.

• Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets.

• Brace overhead light fixtures.

• Fasten your water heater to wall studs and bolt it to the floor.

• Secure propane tanks against overturning or sliding.

• Store potentially hazardous materials, such as cleaners, fertilizers,

chemicals, in appropriate containers and in sturdy cabinets

fastened to the wall or floor.

PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGSPROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS

The information provided herein is provided “as is” without any representationsor warranties whatsoever, either express or implied.

©2007 True Value Company. All rights reserved.

Be prepared! Stop by your local True Value store today for the right tools,

products and advice. And visit us online for practical safety tips and more.

Earthquake Preparation Kit Checklist

❏ Flashlights

❏ Batteries & transistor radio

❏ A-B-C rated fire extinguisher

❏ Battery-operated radio

❏ Cash & traveler’s checks

❏ Bottled water

❏ Adequate supply of canned/perishable food

❏ Nonelectric can opener

❏ First aid kit & handbook

❏ Food & water supplies

❏ Warm clothes & sturdy shoes

❏ Gloves

❏ Any medications you may need

Emergency Phone Numbers

American Red Cross ________________________________

Insurance company ________________________________

Relative or friend ________________________________

True Value store ________________________________

Other ________________________________

Earthquake Terms

Convection current:Very slow movement of rock within Earth’s mantle

caused by heating and cooling.

Epicenter:The point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus

of an earthquake.

Fault:A crack in rock or soil along which there has been

movement caused by stress.

Focus:The point inside Earth which is the source of the earthquake.

Lithosphere:Outer solid portion of Earth including the crust and

uppermost mantle.

Mantle:The zone inside Earth between the solid outer crust

and the inner core.

Seismograph:A device for measuring and recording vibrations

from earthquakes.

Tsunamis:Large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes

beneath the ocean floor. Tsunamis caused by nearby

earthquakes may reach the coast within minutes.

Tsunamis may also be generated by very large

earthquakes far away in other areas of the Pacific

Ocean. Waves caused by these earthquakes will

reach California several hours after the earthquake.

E A R T H Q U A K E G U I D EB E P R E P A R E D

E A R T H Q U A K E G U I D EB E P R E P A R E D