COUNTRY Financial Blog — Financial Security No Matter Where You're Starting From

The ground starts shaking. The vibrations jolt you into action. It’s an earthquake! Quick ­– what are you supposed to do? If you’re in certain parts of the nation, like the Midwest, your earthquake skills might be a little rusty. With February being Earthquake Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to get prepared.

Do you know what to do before, during and after a quake? If you haven’t experienced a large earthquake for some time, it’s easy to forget about them. However, they affect almost everyone. Don’t believe me? See my last post about earthquake awareness if you need convincing.

Now let’s talk about preparation. Even if you never experience a major quake, your prep is helpful in almost any disaster. Here are a few practical ways you can get ready:

Preparation starts at home

• Most injuries come from falling items. Secure bookshelves, televisions and other belongings. Don’t forget to strap your water heater to the wall. If it falls, it could disconnect your gas and water lines.
• Create a disaster plan and practice it. Your family should know how to react and where to meet if you’re separated. Don’t rely on cell phones for communication.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, a fresh water supply, medications, first aid kit, flashlight and a battery powered radio.

Spring into Action

During any quake, don’t forget four simple words: drop, cover, hold on.

• Drop to the floor
• Find cover under a sturdy table or desk
• Hold on to prevent your cover from moving

After the quake, depending on its severity, remember there could be aftershocks, broken glass, or downed power lines. Be sure to meet up with your family as discussed in your disaster plan.

To act on your newfound awareness, look no further than the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut. Visit www.ShakeOut.org/centralus to see how you can participate in this state-wide earthquake drill spanning nine states. To learn even more, the South California Earthquake Center’s website has seven steps to earthquake safety.

Don’t discount the threat of earthquakes. Not only is the prep simple, but it can also protect you against other natural disasters as well.