Buildings with foundations resting on unconsolidated landfill, old waterways, or other soft, unstable soil are most at risk. Trailers and mobile homes not tied to a reinforced foundation anchored to the ground are also at risk, and can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. Earthquakes can occur in any month.

Earthquakes occur most frequently west of the Rocky Mountains, although historically the most violent earthquakes have occurred in the central United States. All 50 states and all U.S. territories are vulnerable to earthquakes. Forty-one states or territories are at moderate to high risk.

EARTHQUAKES STRIKE SUDDENLY, VIOLENTLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL HAZARDS AHEAD OF TIME AND ADVANCE PLANNING CAN REDUCE THE DANGERS OF SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE FROM AN EARTHQUAKE.

BEFORE

Check for hazards in the home. Fasten shelves securely to the walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets with latches. Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors away from bed, couches, and anywhere people sit.

Brace overhead light fixtures. Secure water heater by strapping it to wall studs and bolting it to the floor. Repair any deep cracks in ceiling or foundations. Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products in secured, latched cabinets and on bottom shelves.

Identify safe spots in each room: under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table; against an inside wall or solid, heavy-framed doorway; away from where glass could shatter - around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

Locate safe spots outdoors: in the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

DURING

IF INDOORS:

Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture, against an inside wall, or inside a solid, heavy-framed doorway and hold on. Stay inside. Don't dash for exits. Never use elevators.

IF OUTDOORS:

Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

IF IN A MOVING VEHICLE:

Stop quickly; stay in the vehicle. Don't stop near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires. When the shaking stops, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

AFTER

Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks also cause damage and bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call help.

Turn on battery-operated radio or TV for the latest emergency information. Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals. Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously. Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Monitor animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.

Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a three-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.