With the recent shakes in the Washington D.C district and in the state of Ohio, many people who were not previously aware that earthquakes can attack anywhere and everywhere are starting to wonder if they are prepared. Granted, the quakes were minor, centered in the mainland so there was no risk of devastating tsunamis, and and there was no serious injury or death to any person or property. But, the fact remains, scientific evidence shows that though the likely hood of a quake the size of the 9.0 quake that wrecked Japan is statistically rare, it can and does happen; even in areas where mile high skyscrapers and highways and millions upon millions of people now reside. That does not mean that the next big urban quake will happen today or even tomorrow, but, it could, and with that knowledge, there are some things that the modern urban family can do to be prepared, just in case.
First, have a small emergency bag prepared. This emergency bag should consist of one pair of clothing, a pair of socks, a bottle of water, and a granola bar or two, something non-perishable. Trail mix is also a good idea. Include a flashlight, one change of batteries, and a small first aid kit, with something like bandages, gauze, tweezers, scissors, and rubbing alcohol. Also include either a lighter or a book of matches. Keep this bag in a dry, room temperature space. Make sure it is something you can carry easily and do not pack it to the point of breaking with every single thing that you own. In an emergency, eyeliner and toy trucks are not going to serve you any purpose. The good thing about a kit like this is that it can serve in any kind of disaster, from hurricanes and tornadoes, not just earthquakes. You can also consider gloves, an extra phone charger, and a map.
Always have a pair of shoes by your bed. Most injuries from earthquakes come from stepping on debris and falling glass and cutting the bottom of your feet. While these are not life threatening, they can slow you down. And in an environment rife with chaos and dirt and the possibility of contaminated surfaces and water, open cuts run a higher risk of infection.
Have a plan with your family. Discuss ways to get out of the house, emergency routes to take. Also have a meeting place. Should Mom be out getting groceries, Dad at work, and the kids at school, name a location that everyone knows where they can find each other later.
The chances of a large scale earthquake in major urban areas is slim, but this does not mean it will never happen. Have an emergency plan and an emergency kit ready. Sit down and discuss the plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows the drill and revisit the steps every once in awhile to stay up to date. The better prepared you make yourself, the better your chances.