An earthquake reminds us that natural disasters can happen at any time—in an instant. Careful preparation and planning can make a difference when it comes to protecting home and family. Allstate Insurance Company is providing these preparation and recovery tips as well as what to do if you feel tremors.

Preparation Tips:

Identify potential hazards in your home and begin to fix them

• Identify all unsecured objects that might fall during shaking.
• Move heavy furniture, such as bookcases, away from beds, couches, and other places where people sit or sleep.

Most hardware and home-improvement stores carry earthquake-safety straps, fasteners, and adhesives that you can easily use to secure your belongings.

Create your disaster plan

• Locate a safe place outside of your home for your family to meet after the shaking stops.
• Establish an out-of-area contact person who can be called by everyone in the household to relay information.
• Provide all family members with a list of important contact phone numbers.
• Learn about the earthquake plan developed by your children's school or day care, and keep your children's school emergency release cards current.
• Keep copies of insurance policies, financial records, and other essential documents in a secure location, such as with your household disaster kit. Include a household inventory (a list and photos or video of your belongings).
  
  Create your disaster supply kits
• Recommended supplies include: Bottled water, nonperishable food, first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-operated radio with extra batteries—all stored in a designated place.
  
  During Tremors:
  Drop, cover and hold on
• If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
• Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
• Do not go outside until well after the shaking stops.
  
  Recovery Tips:
  After the shaking stops, check for damage and injuries needing immediate attention
• Be prepared to evacuate.
• Be alert for aftershocks.
• Pay attention to damaged utilities. Avoid loose or dangling electric power lines and report all gas and electrical problems to the proper authorities.
• Turn off any damaged utilities.
• Check for fire hazards and use flashlights instead of candles or lanterns.
• If your building is sound, stay inside and listen for broadcast or posted advisories.