Alaska is one of the most seismically active areas of the planet, experiencing 11% of the world’s earthquakes, including three of the world’s top ten largest quakes. Alaska averages one magnitude 7 to 8 magnitude quake every year, with a “great” earthquake larger than an 8.0 on an average of one every 13 years. For more information specific to earthquakes, check out http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/  or http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/

 Prepare before the next big earthquake:

• Have a plan for yourself and your family. Show children safe places to drop and hold on. Think about the safe places at your work location too.
• Practice counting to 60. Most quakes are shorter than a minute, but some may be longer. Practicing this can help you stay calm when a big one does occur.
• Prepare you house by strapping down tall, large or heavy furniture, book cases and other furnishings. Earthquake straps and bolts are available at most hardware stores. Do the same in your office.
• Move heavy objects to lower shelves and install cabinet door latches. Strap down expensive electronics to their base tables using Velcro. Use latches on cabinet doors.
• Strap down the water heater. If your water heater isn’t equipped with a flexible supply line, contact a licensed plumber to install one.
• Propane tanks and fuel oil tanks must be properly bolted down and have proper cradles.
• Know how to shut off the natural gas, propane or fuel oil supply. Most fires after earthquakes are due to gas leaks.
• Wood stoves should be anchored to the floor. Stove pipe sections should be secured properly. Anchoring devices (bolts and straps) must be installed properly so they do not conduct heat to the floor and wall.
• Make sure there are no heavy pictures, shelves or things that could fall above the beds in all rooms.
• Have a kit with sturdy shoes, flashlight, gloves and radio under or near your bed for emergency use.
• Involve you neighbors in developing a neighborhood plan.

If you are indoors when shaking starts:

• “DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
• If you are inside, remain indoors during the earthquake.
• If you are in bed at the time of the earthquake, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• In high-rise buildings, be aware that the fire alarms and/or sprinklers may activate.
• If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.

If you are outdoors when shaking starts:

• Move to a clear area if you can walk safely. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.
• If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards (e.g. power lines, trees, or bridges).
• If you are on the beach or another low-lying area close to the ocean or bay, you could be in the path of a tsunami. (See Tsunami.) Go to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for the water to recede.

Some “Don’ts”:

• Don’t run. Don’t run outside. If the quake is strong, you can’t stand let alone run. Things may be falling off the building you are trying to run out of, which may fall and cause injury or death.
• Do not stand in a doorway: only one person can fit, and you won’t be protected from falling or flying objects. In older constructed buildings the doorways may become a weak spot in the walls and collapse.
• Don’t assume that there will only be one quake. Most large earthquakes have before and aftershocks which can very strong and make building damage worse.

Once the earthquake stops:

• Check those around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them warm with blankets or additional clothing.
• Use a flashlight, not candles, until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
• Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines, gas leaks and structural damage.
• If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.
• Avoid broken glass.
• Use extreme caution around spilled hazardous materials, such as bleach, lye, garden chemicals, paint, gasoline or other flammable liquids. When in doubt, leave the area.
• Evacuate buildings using stairs; avoid elevators.
• Replace phones that may have shaken from their cradles.
• Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

If you are trapped in debris:

• Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.