Earth Quakes in Oklahoma Before an earthquake Ą Assemble an emergency preparedness kit for home and your vehicle. Ą Have a family emergency plan and identify a safe place to take cover, such as under a sturdy table or desk. Ą Teach your family how to ŇDrop, Cover and HoldÓ during an earthquake. Ą Check for hazards inside or outside your home or office. Ą Heavy objects and falling hazards such as bookcases, hanging picture frames and other items can be dangerous if they are unstable and not anchored securely to a wall or the floor. Ą Know emergency telephone numbers. Ą Contact your insurance agent to review existing policies and to inquire about earthquake insurance Ą Sign up for Earthquake Notifications on the USGS site as well as learn about other products and services they offer. During an earthquake Ą ŇDrop, Cover and HoldÓ DROP to the floor; take COVER under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. If there isnŐt a table or desk near you, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Ą Stay away from glass or bookshelves, mirrors or other items that could fall. Ą If outside: stand in an open area away from underpasses and overpasses, buildings, trees, telephone, and electrical lines. Ą If on the road: drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in a safe area; stay in your vehicle. After an earthquake Ą Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary. Ą Do a safety check: check for gas, water, downed power lines and shortages. Turn off appropriate utilities, if you shut off the main gas valve do not turn it back on yourself. Wait for the gas company to check for leaks and make repairs. Ą Turn on the radio and listen for instructions on safety or recovery actions. Ą Use the telephone for emergencies only. Ą When safe follow your emergency plan. Ą Be cautious when opening cabinets. Ą Stay away from damaged areas. Ą Be prepared for aftershocks. Ą If you are able to, log onto the USGS site The Office of Disability Concerns & The Oklahoma City Emergency Management are offerring a free ŇEarthquake Awareness & Preparedness SeminarÓ. If you would like more information, schedule an event, or to find an event near you for your business, organization or agency, please contact the Office of Disability Concerns at 405.521.3756, or email odc@odc.ok.gov Severe Weather is a Oklahoma LetŐs Prepare! The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property before severe weather: Ą Create an emergency supply kit. Include items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and batteries. Ą Make a family emergency plan. Determine how family members will contact one another and get back together after an emergency. Ą Stay weather aware. Monitor local media to know which storms could impact your area. Ą Know where to shelter in your home or at work. Examples include basements, interior rooms or halls, bathrooms and closets. Ą Bring in outdoors items such as childrenŐs toys, patio furniture and garbage cans which could be blown around and damaged. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage. Ą Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water and gas, to your home. Ą Find out what types of events and kinds of damages are covered by your insurance policy. Keep insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe and secure location. Ą Create a home inventory to provide your insurance agent in the event of damage.