NEBRASKA HAZARDS

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Earthquakes can happen with little or no warning. While Nebraska generally experiences moderate earthquake activity, strong earthquakes have occurred in the state and in neighboring states. Preparing ahead of time can help protect you, your family, and your property. Whether you are at home, at work, or traveling in an area where earthquakes are more common, knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake is essential.

Before an Earthquake

Take steps now to prepare your home and family:

  • Identify safe places in each room, such as under a sturdy table or desk and away from windows.
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit with water, nonperishable food, a can opener, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies, seasonal clothing, and blankets. The kit can also serve as a go kit if you need to leave your home.
  • Know how to safely shut off your home's gas, water, and electricity.
  • Secure your home by anchoring it to its foundation when appropriate and securing overhead lighting.
  • Store breakable items on low shelves or in securely closed cabinets. Place heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Secure bookshelves, heavy furniture, water heaters, and gas appliances to wall studs to prevent tipping.
  • Use flexible connections for water heaters, gas stoves, and other appliances.
  • Have defective electrical wiring repaired.
  • Consider purchasing earthquake insurance.

During an Earthquake

drop,cover,hold on

If you are indoors, stay indoors and protect yourself from falling objects.

  • Drop to your hands and knees.
  • Cover your head and neck and, if possible, take cover under a sturdy table or desk.
  • Hold On until the shaking stops.

If You Are Outdoors: Stay where you are and move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.

If You Are in a High-Rise Building: Take cover under sturdy furniture and stay away from windows and outside walls. Stay on the same floor unless instructed otherwise by safety personnel. Do not use elevators.

If You Are in a Vehicle: Stop as soon as it is safe to do so and remain in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or underneath buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.

After an Earthquake

After the shaking stops, take the following steps:

  • Check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid if you can.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks.
  • Put on sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris.
  • If the power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles.
  • If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the building immediately. If it is safe to do so, shut off the main gas valve from outside the building.
  • If water pipes are damaged, shut off the water supply at the main valve.
  • Check your home, chimney, and appliances for damage.
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleach, gasoline, and other hazardous or flammable liquids when it is safe to do so.
  • Do not flush toilets until you know the sewage system is functioning properly.
  • Open cabinets carefully because items may have shifted.
  • Use the telephone only for life-threatening emergencies.
  • Monitor official emergency information and follow instructions from local authorities.