Earthquake is a term used to describe
a sudden slip on a fault, volcanic activity, or
other sudden stress changes in the earth and the resulting
ground shaking and radiating seismic energy that the
event causes. In some areas of the country, earthquakes
are an everyday reality. For more information about
the seismicity and history of earthquakes in your area,
see http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/states/states.html.
Although national, state, and local
governments and other agencies are constantly surveying
and taking measures to ensure the public's safety, there
are certain steps that individuals and businesses can
take to provide a further degree of readiness.
Have a family earthquake plan
at home.
Secure the inside of your home.
Prepare a survival kit for when
you are away from home.
Have an emergency contact outside
of your area.
For more information on how to complete
these steps successfully, see the American Red Cross (ARC) personal
earthquake plan brochure. Your
local
ARC chapter is there to help you and your
family when a natural disaster happens in your community.
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