Develop and Deploy a Family Emergency Plan

» Explain the earthquake risk and discuss the emergency plan with your family.
» Identify the safe and unsafe places in each room at home (and in the office). Safe places are under well-built furniture such as heavy tables, against an inside wall, close to door frames and supporting pillars. Also find out the best way to escape from each room.
» Identify a safe place outside your home. The safe places are empty fields away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines etc.
» Ask an out-of-city/country relative or friend to be your family’s contact. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are if they are unable to go or call home.
» Teach each family member what to do during an earthquake, and reinforce the learning by having drills.
» Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity supply at the main sources.
» Know where the nearest fire, police stations and emergency medical centres are, as well as those who can help you during an emergency. For example, a neighbour who is a doctor.
» Plan for people with special needs such as babies, the elderly, and the pregnant.
» Paste a list of updated emergency telephone numbers on your telephone.
» Stock emergency supplies. Change the items every six months. Stock some supplies in the office too.
» Assemble an emergency kit in an easy-to-carry bag. Prepare one kit each for your home, car and office. Change the items every six months.
» Learn first-aid.
» Learn to use the fire extinguisher.
» Coordinate an emergency plan with your children’s school and your neighbours.