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
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