TWIN TEMBLORS: THE LANDERS AND BIG BEAR QUAKES : Temblor Tips

Fire officials issued these preparedness tips for coping with serious quakes:

BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE

* Psychological preparedness: Make family members, including children, aware of any plan for survival.

* Supplies: Assuming normal services will be interrupted, plan to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Keep supplies in cars and at work as well as home, including food, water, battery-powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries and fire extinguisher, copies of important papers, documents and medical history, medication, clothing and first-aid kit.

* Home preparations: Secure bookcases or heavy pictures over beds and other furnishings that could be hazardous and learn first-aid techniques.

DURING THE EARTHQUAKE

* In a public place: Avoid exits because chances are good there will be a rush of people trying to leave immediately.

* At work: Get under a desk or table and hold on.

* At home: Get under a desk or table if nearby, or brace yourself against an inside wall away from windows and protect your head and neck. (Officials once recommended taking refuge in doorways but people have been hurt by swinging doors.)

* On a street: Immediately take refuge in a doorway or alcove. Sidewalks are dangerous because of falling facades and glass. Avoid trees, power poles and overhead wires.

* In a car: Pull to the right and stop, avoiding overpasses, underpasses and overhead wires. You will not be electrocuted unless you touch the ground. Drive the car out from under wires if it can be done safely.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

* Check utilities: If you smell natural gas or an electrical short, turn off the affected utility.

* Check buildings: Stay out if they have large cracks or other obvious damage.

* Administer first aid: Also be sure to check neighbors.

* Do not use telephones: Only make calls for life-threatening emergencies until told to do so.

* Do not attempt to leave the area: Roads may be unsafe and, if passable, will be needed for emergency responses.

* Reduce post-disaster stress: Get back to normal daily routines as soon as possible, returning children to school and going back to work.