EHA Pocketguide
EHA Pocketguide
EHA Pocketguide
If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isnt a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with
your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting
fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow,
unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported,
load-bearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries
occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
DO NOT use the elevators.
If outdoors
Stay there.
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings,
at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause
of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling
objects.
If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees,
overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have
been damaged by the earthquake.
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Turn on your radio/TV to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a
coastal area.
Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline this is natures tsunami warning and it
should be heeded. You should move away immediately.
Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.
Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.
Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to
avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow.
Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged
heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge,
and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and
people with disabilities.
If indoors
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building
level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from
corners, windows,doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
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If in a moving vehicle:
Get out and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter.
If outside
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for
flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado
in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
Source: FEMA
1. Prepare a kit
At a minimum, it is recommended that you have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry
emergency preparedness kit (grab-bag) that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional
needs are:
Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games and activities for children
Two-way radios
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Manual can opener
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Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
Whistle
Surgical masks
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools/supplies for securing your home
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors
Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags
2. Make a plan
Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to stay with
friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter if necessary.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes
on your map in case roads are impassable.
3. Be informed
You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you understand the
risks, communicate with others in advance and know how to stay informed before, during and after a disaster. In
doing so, its important to:
Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area.
Learn how you can stay informed of changing conditions and instructions in an emergency (usually through
radio/TV) and how your community will be notified of a possible disaster. Notification methods vary from
community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts.
You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call or SMS, or emergency workers may go door-to-door.
Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, neighborhoods and apartment buildings should all have
site-specific emergency plans, just like individuals and families. Ask about plans at the places where your
family spends the most time: work, school and other places you frequent.
Ask also about emergency preparedness and response plans at your nearest health facilities
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