A Los Angeles Times Special Report : Coping With The Quake : Recovering From Disaster, Preparing for the Future : PREPARING FOR THE NEXT TEMBLOR

You made it through this one. You could probably use a little breather.

Not just yet. Take a couple of minutes to remember the one absolutely inflexible, ironclad, irrevocable rule about big earthquakes in Southern California: There are going to be more of them.

Your first job, then--right after you pick up the broken dishes and get the clock radio to quit blinking “12:00”--is to mentally and physically get ready for the next time. A review never hurts. In fact, it’s essential.

Before the Quake

* Inspect the house. Know which areas are safe (doorways, under tables, in corners) and unsafe (near glass, fireplaces, hanging objects, tall furniture).

* Plan a meeting place for your family if you’re separated at the time of the quake. Decide on an out-of-state relative or friend to whom family members can report their whereabouts. This avoids tying up local phone lines. Keep emergency phone numbers clearly posted.

* Reduce, as much as possible, the possibility that things will fall. Secure water heaters and heavy furniture that can topple, keep breakables on bottom shelves and anchor plants, picture frames and mirrors.

* Learn basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

* Learn how to shut off the gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. But DON’T attempt to relight a gas pilot. Call the utility company.

* Latch cabinet doors that could swing open and allow objects inside to fall.

* Keep hazardous or flammable materials--paints, pest sprays, cleaning products--secure or on lower shelves and away from sources of ignition.

* Know the emergency plans at your children’s school or day-care center. Make backup plans to pick them up if necessary.

* Store important papers in a fireproof storage or safe-deposit box, a freezer (with documents tightly sealed in a freezer bag) or with an out-of-town relative or friend--and send copies, not originals.

In Scotts Valley, an isolated area near the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta quake, a group of residents’ pre-planning saved houses and possibly lives. The neighbors learned the layout of each others’ homes and exchanged keys and telephone numbers. They set up caches of food, water and emergency supplies.

Stephanie Mann, author of “Safe Homes, Safe Neighborhoods” (Nolo Press, 1993) offers advice on organizing such a group:

* Neighbors can do a lot for each other after an earthquake. They may rescue your child or pull you out of debris. It’s important that you know if there is a doctor, nurse or firefighter in the neighborhood. You also need to help your neighbors. If one house goes, the whole block can go.

* Neighbors should distribute an emergency neighborhood map with names, phone numbers and symbols for gas and electricity. Signal each other by agreeing that a red symbol on the mailbox indicates a problem and a white symbol indicates that everything is OK.

During the Quake

You’ve been through it now, and you know what it feels like. Next time, recognize it for what it is and don’t panic.

* If you’re indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, stand in a corner or in a doorway.

* If you’re outside, stay there, too. But get away from trees, buildings, walls or power lines.

* If you’re in a high-rise building, don’t use the elevators. Stay away from the outside walls.

* If you’re driving, pull over and stop. Stay away from overpasses and power lines.

* If you’re in a crowded public place, don’t rush for the doors.

Remember: It’ll almost certainly end within a minute.

After the Quake

* Check for injuries. If there are any, apply first aid. Don’t move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

* Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency--a serious injury or fire.

* Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If you find damage, turn off the utility at the source.

* Check your water supplies. You can get emergency water from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks (not bowls; and don’t drink if you’re using a disinfecting agent in the tank) and canned vegetables. Drinking pool water over a long period isn’t advisable. Likewise, water stored in vinyl plastic containers, such as water beds, isn’t suitable for continued use.

* If the electricity is out, turn on a portable radio for immediate news.

* If you have broken windows, tape them to prevent flying glass in case of aftershocks.

* Don’t drive anywhere. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. But, for future use, keep at least a quarter tank of gas in your car and maps in the glove compartment.

* Check for structural damage to your home.

* If you have to evacuate, leave a note telling family members where you are.

Remember: Strong aftershocks are likely after a strong quake.

Emergency Supply Kit

Having a well-organized cache of emergency supplies is as essential to every Southern California household as a snow shovel is to every home in Wisconsin. It should include:

* Flashlights and extra batteries. Avoid matches or open flames unless you are certain there are no gas leaks.

* A portable radio and extra batteries.

* A first-aid kit.

* A fire extinguisher.

* Non-perishable food--enough of it to support every person in the house for a week.

* Water--one gallon per person per day. Replace it every six months.

* Food and water for pets.

* Blankets, clothing and shoes that are sturdy enough to walk over debris.

* Sufficient medication, special diet food, extra eyeglasses or contact lenses.

* Cash. Automated teller machines may not work and merchants may not accept checks or credit cards. After a major quake, cash is likely to talk loudest.

* Another way to cook. A barbecue or camp stove will do, along with a hand-operated can opener, matches and heavy-duty aluminum foil.

* Large plastic bags for trash, waste and water protection.

* Personal hygiene items.

* Tools. Basics: heavy gloves for clearing debris, an adjustable or pipe wrench for turning off gas and water. Desirable: an ax, crowbar, shovel, broom, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, knife or razor blades. A garden hose for siphoning and firefighting.

If You Don’t Clip This Story or Forget Where You Put It . . .

Check the table of contents in the white pages of your telephone book. You’ll find that in the front of the book is “the most marvelous, comprehensive earthquake survival guide,” said Martin Wyatt, a spokesman for the state Office of Emergency Services. “I wouldn’t add or change a thing in it, and everybody’s got one in their home.”