You'll want to ready your home and your family for this natural disaster if you're living in earthquake country.
Here's the essential 8 things to do to complete your safety preparedness checklist.
1 Store heavy objects on lower shelves where they are less likely to fall onto people.
2 Fasten down lamps and other valuables with putty-like anchoring wax.
3 Put latches on cabinet doors to keep contents inside.
4 Position your bed away from windows, which could shatter.
5 Close the curtains or blinds at night to keep broken glass from flying into the bedroom.
6 Nix any pictures above your bed - or shelves, books, boxes or other heavy items on a shelf above. Not worth the risk to you - or your treasured items.
7 Stash shoes beneath your bed in a plastic bag as chances are broken glass will shower the floor.
8 Next to them keep a flashlight and crowbar to pry open jammed doors.
Finally, make sure all family members know how and when to shut off the water and gas valves.
The main water valve (usually found near an exterior wall close to the water meter or the well supply) should be shut off immediately after a quake to prevent contamination of your home's water supply.
Your gas valve (it's usually near the gas meter) should be off only if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Keep a wrench wired to the gas meter for this purpose.
