**Earthquake Preparedness \-- Almaty**

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying
potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the
dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.

BEFORE

Check for hazards in the home.

-   Fasten shelves securely to walls.

-   Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.

-   Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in
    low, closed cabinets with latches.

-   Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds,
    couches, and anywhere people sit.

-   Brace overhead light fixtures.

-   Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These
    are potential fire risks.

-   Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting
    it to the floor.

-   Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice
    if there are signs of structural defects.

-   Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in
    closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify safe places in each room.

-   Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

-   Against an inside wall.

-   Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors,
    pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could
    fall over.

Locate safe places outdoors. In the open, away from buildings, trees,
telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.\
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and
water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department
and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Have disaster supplies on hand.

-   Flashlight and extra batteries

-   Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries

-   First aid kit and manual

-   Emergency food and water

-   Nonelectric can opener

-   Essential medicines

-   Cash and credit cards

-   Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are
separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility
during the day when adults are at work and children are at school),
develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. USAID maintains a list
of \"family contacts.\" After a disaster, it\'s often easier to call
long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address,
and phone number of the contact person.

DURING

If indoors:

-   Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside
    wall and hold on.

-   Stay inside.

-   The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake
    is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If outdoors:

-   Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility
    wires.

-   Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:

-   Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.

-   Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or
    utility wires.

-   Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or
    ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Pets after an Earthquake

-   The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake.
    Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or
    defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a
    fenced yard.

-   Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons.
    Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day
    supply of dry food and a large container of water.

AFTER

Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock,
aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures
down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even
months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do
not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger
of further injury. Call for help.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest
emergency information.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special
assistance\--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it
is safe.

-   Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

-   Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable
    liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from
    other chemicals.

-   Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.

-   Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage.
    Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

Check for gas leaks\--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise,
open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the
outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a
neighbor\'s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be
turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage\--If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity
at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to
get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage\--If you suspect sewage lines
are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes
are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the
tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

[MITIGATION](../../../../../../../../MIT/eqmit.htm) - Mitigation
includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of
an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable
emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now such as
repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring
overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and following local seismic
building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes in the
future. For more information on mitigation, contact your local emergency
management office.

**Emergency Personal Preparedness \-- Supplies**

Please have the following items on hand in case of an emergency. Contact
GSO if you have any questions or need help obtaining any of these items.

**Food and water:**

-   1 week supply bottled water.

-   1 week supply canned food and other non‑perishable items.

-   Non‑electric can opener.

**Finances and Documents:**

-   Set aside cash. Make sure to have some small notes. Have an original
    or copies of your families passports and immunization records
    readily accessible.

-   Handheld Radios and cell phones:

-   Fully charge your handheld radio and/or cell phone.

> **Flashlights and Candles:**

-   Be sure your emergency flashlight is fully charged.

-   Have a flashlight for each family member. Buy additional batteries.

-   Keep a small supply of candles and stick matches.

> **Disposable Items:**

-   Paper plates

-   Plastic cups and utensils

-   Foil to use with or to substitute for baking pans.

> Place these items in a central location in your residence and make
> sure to go over each item with your family.

**Leave your emergency items intact at all times!!**