BAY AREA QUAKE : Tips on Survival--During and After the Tremor

Here are some frequently asked questions about earthquakes, and some answers provided by Times Staff Writer Mark Landsbaum .

Question: What should you do if an earthquake hits while you are at home, work or school?

Answer: As in all circumstances, remain calm. Get away from windows, mirrors and light fixtures, tall bookcases or China cases that may topple. Stand in a doorway or under a table or crouch against a solid wall. Get into a duck-and-cover position using sofa cushions or pillows to protect your head. Do not run outside.

Q. What if a quake hits while you are in a car?

A. Pull to the side of the road if possible and stop the car. Do not park under trees, light posts, signs, bridges or overpasses.

Q. What should you do if you are outdoors?

A. Get into the open, away from buildings, power lines and other sources of falling debris.

Q. What should be done once the shaking stops?

A. Check for injuries. If necessary, administer first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. Keep the injured warm with blankets. Check utility lines and appliances for damage. Even the smallest sparks can cause explosions, so do not operate electrical switches or even a telephone if you smell gas. Do not eat or drink from open containers near broken glass.

Q. Where can you find safe water to drink if service is cut off?

A. Emergency water supplies can be found in water heaters, toilet tanks, melted ice cubes and canned vegetables. Water can be disinfected by first draining it through a clean cloth to remove solids, then by using a 5.25% household bleach solution. Use one drop to one quart for clear water and four drops to a quart for cloudy water. Water also can be purified by boiling.

Q. What should you do if you smell gas after an earthquake?

A. Know where your gas meter is and have an adjustable wrench for turning off the valve. Southern California Gas Co. advises that gas should be turned off only when there is an odor at the meter or at a connection, such as at the water heater. Never try to test for escaping gas with a lighter or flame because of a possible explosion.

Q. What plans can members of your household make?

A. Everyone should know the safest places in the house, away from large panes of glass, heavy furniture, appliances or veneers such as fireplaces. Know the location of gas, electric and water main shut-off valves. Have a plan to reunite the family if members become separated. Know the location of the nearest fire station.

Q. What can you do about structural flaws in your home?

A. Check your foundation for cracks larger than 1/8-inch that indicate potential weakness. Check to see that your house is attached with sill bolts to the foundation. Make sure children’s play areas are away from walls that lack sheathing and from walls of brick or masonry veneer without steel reinforcement. Seek the advice of an architect, engineer or local building official on needed repairs or strengthening.

Q. What supplies should you have stored in your home for such an emergency?

A. Items that should be stored in a barrel or trash can: Flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, first-aid kit and handbook, two quarts of water for each family member; enough canned, powdered, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods to last one week; toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, razor, any needed prescriptions, antiseptic cream, adhesive tape, alcohol, aspirin, bandages, gauze, gloves, plastic trash bags, aluminum foil, household bleach, tissues, pocketknife and can opener, mini-barbecue grill, matches, candles, Sterno canned heat, screwdriver, wrench and crowbar, sleeping bags, blankets, pencil and paper. Keep important papers and cash close by.

Q. What supplies should you store in your car?

A. Store these in a nylon, metal or plastic container in the trunk: first aid kit, 2 quarts of water, toothbrush, comb, soap, towel, razor, any needed prescriptions, antiseptic cream, aspirin, pocket knife, leather gloves, bottle opener, matches, flashlight with extra batteries, blanket, dehydrated or canned food, jumper cables, screwdriver and crowbar, plastic trash bags, pencil and paper and Sterno.

Q. Any final suggestions?

A. Cooperate with public safety efforts. Use telephones only to report emergency situations. Don’t wander the streets or go in to danger areas unless your assistance is needed.

Sources: Southern California Earthquake Preparedness Project, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Orange County Fire Department, Pacific Bell, the Red Cross, CEPP Corp., Lafferty & Associates and the Emergency Lifeline, Santa Ana.

How to Help Quake Victims

Donations for San Francisco earthquake victims should be sent to:

American Red Cross

602 N. Golden Circle Drive

Santa Ana, CA 92711

Salvation Army

900 W. 9th St.

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Salvation Army

201 E. Cypress St.

Anaheim, CA 92805

Salvation Army

818 E. 3rd St.

Santa Ana, CA 92701