Household emergency plan

Before

• Agree on a meeting point near home and another outside the neighborhood.
• Pick one person out of the area that everyone tells they're okay.
• Know how to shut off electricity, water and gas.
• Secure tall furniture to the wall and keep heavy objects off beds.
• Run a drill at home at least once a year.

During the earthquake

• Drop, cover your head and hold on to something sturdy until it stops.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors and shelves. Don't use the elevator.
• Outside, move away from buildings, poles and wires.
• Driving: stop somewhere clear, away from bridges and wires.
• Near the coast, if the quake was strong or long, move to high ground without waiting for a warning.

After

• Check for injured people. Help where you can, without moving anyone at risk.
• Send messages instead of calling, to keep lines free.
• If you smell gas, don't switch on lights or flames; open doors and windows.
• Use a flashlight, not candles. Watch for aftershocks.
• Don't enter damaged buildings. Follow official instructions.

Papers to keep at hand

A photo or copy, also kept away from home.

• ID or passport for each person.
• Insurance policies (home, car, health): policy number and insurer's phone.
• Deed or lease.
• Pets' vaccine cards.
• Prescriptions and a list of medicines.

Go-bag

Check it every six months.

• Water: about 4 liters per person per day, for at least three days.
• Non-perishable food and a can opener.
• Flashlight, batteries, battery radio and a power bank.
• First-aid kit and medicines with their expiry dates.
• Cash in small bills and copies of your papers.
• Baby: formula and diapers. Pets: food and water.