Earthquake
Preparedness

• Choose a safe place in every room -- under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!
• Chose an out-of-town family contact.
  
  
  Eliminate Hazards
• Bolting bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs
• Installing strong latches on cupboards
• Strapping the water heater to wall studs
  
  

  
  Know What to Do When the Shaking Begins
• DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a highrise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• If your are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.) Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one. DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Inspect home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

Many would be surprised that Earthquakes could be a very common occurance here in Western Kentucky. This is due to the New Madrid Fault Line that runs very close to the state.