Earthquake lights have not been reported before all earthquakes, nor has the timing been consistent, but if you hear about strange lights or talk of UFO in your area, you may want to go over your earthquake preparedness plan and make sure your emergency survival kit is stocked. [3] X Research source Earthquake lights have been observed as short, blue flames coming up from the ground, as orbs of light that float in the air, or as huge forks of light that look like lightening shooting up from the ground. [4] X Research source
Chickens may stop laying eggs before an earthquake. If you notice your hens stop laying eggs for no reason, make sure you and your family know what to do in case of an earthquake. Catfish respond violently to changes in electric fields, which may occur before an earthquake. If you are fishing and see a ton of catfish suddenly thrashing around, it is possible an earthquake is on the way. Look around for a safe place away from trees or bridges that might fall on you. [6] X Research source Dogs, cats, and other animals can feel an earthquake seconds before it can be detected by humans. If your pet begins acting nervous and erratic, becomes frightened of seemingly nothing and runs to hide, or if your normally calm dog begins to bite and bark, you may want to look around for a place to take cover. Dogs will also howl a lot and loud if there is an earthquake.
Because it is impossible to predict how long an earthquake will last or its magnitude, when you feel the ground begin to roll, take the appropriate actions to protect yourself from falling debris, depending on where you are (indoors, outdoors, in your car).
Cycles can stretch for hundreds of years–it may be 600 years (or more or less) between major earthquakes along a fault–but there’s no way to truly know if or when the next big quake will occur. [10] X Research source If the nearest fault line still has 250+ years in its cycle before another big earthquake, allow that to give you some solace. But do remember that there are no hard and fast rules for predicting earthquakes, so you should have an emergency kit prepared just in case. [11] X Research source
These alert messages can provide you with instructions in an emergency, including evacuation routes and available emergency shelters. Your city may have a warning system in place, such a sirens followed by a warning or instructions. Make sure you know if your town or city has such a warning system. [12] X Research source
For your home, try to have enough supplies for up to 2 weeks. This means 1 gallon of water per person for each day, non-perishable foods (and a can opener if they are in cans), medications for each day, bottles and diapers for babies, and hygiene products. [14] X Research source Vehicle survival kits should include maps, jumper cables, enough water for at least 3 days (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable foods, blankets, flashlights. [15] X Research source Don’t forget your pets! Make sure you have water, food, bowls, medication, a leash and collar or carrier for your furry friends. [16] X Research source Check out a more extensive list of items on the Red Cross website or [Ready. gov].
Bookshelves, wardrobes, armoires, hutches, and china cabinets are all examples of furniture that should be bolted to the wall. [17] X Research source Mirrors and flat screen TVs should also be secured to the wall so that they can’t fall off and shatter. Don’t hang them over couches or beds. [18] X Research source
You may only have a few seconds to act, and practicing will allow you to react faster. [20] X Research source If there is no cover, try to get to an inside corner of the room and get low to the ground. [21] X Research source If you are outdoors, try to get to an open area away from buildings, live wires, and other things that might fall on you, and drop, cover, and hold on. [22] X Research source If you are in a city, it may be safer to go inside and find cover. [23] X Research source If you are in a vehicle, get out from under any bridges or overpasses. Stay in the car and come to a stop as soon as possible, avoiding buildings, trees, or wires that might fall on your car. [24] X Research source
Choose a person who lives in another town or state as a contact. It is sometimes easier to reach someone who is not in the disaster area. If you are separated from your family, this person can relay your location and that you are safe.
