Thursday, August 24, 2017, marks the sixth anniversary of the 2011 East Coast earthquake. While earthquakes may be more prevalent in some areas than others, they can happen anywhere and are unpredictable.

Taking steps ahead of time to protect yourself in the event of an earthquake is vital in reducing injuries and loss of life. The vast majority of injuries during an earthquake occur because of flying glass and falling objects. Stay safe with these tips from Prepareathon’s How to Prepare for an Earthquake guide:

• Prepare your home for an earthquake by securing all items that could fall and cause injuries (e.g. bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures).
• Practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a desk or table. Watch the When the Earth Shakes video for more information on what to do if an earthquake happens while you are inside, outside, or driving.
• Plan how you will communicate with family members by making a family emergency communication plan.
• When the shaking stops, look around. If there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from any damage.

For more tips on earthquake preparedness, visit www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

With school bells ringing across the Nation, it is time for parents and guardians to get familiar with the emergency plan at your child’s school or daycare.

Much like individuals and families, schools and daycare providers should all have site-specific emergency plans. If you are a parent or guardian, it is important to make sure your child’s school or daycare has a plan to ensure his or her safety during an emergency. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline steps as easy as ABC to keep your child safe at school or daycare: 

• Ask how you will reunite with your child in an emergency or evacuation.
• Bring extra medication, special foods, or supplies that your child might need.
• Complete a backpack contact information card.

If your child has an access or functional need, be sure to meet with a school official to discuss plans for how the school will provide for his or her safety. For more information about emergency preparedness for parents, educators, and kids, visit www.ready.gov/kids.

Parents, guardians, and teachers can also use the Children and Youth Preparedness Social Media Toolkit to share safety messages on their social media networks.

After a disaster, many community-based organizations come together to support the needs of those affected. Unfortunately, individuals with ulterior motives may also prey on those disaster survivors by offering fraudulent services.

Learn how to protect yourself and your finances from additional loss. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers reminders to help you avoid disaster fraud, including:

• Do not pay a fee to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or to receive it. FEMA does not charge a fee for these services.
• Get three written estimates for repair work. Check credentials, and contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractor or business.
• Make sure you obtain a written contract detailing all necessary services and costs before work begins. The contract should also have a projected completion date and outline ways to negotiate changes and settle disputes.
• Pay only by check or a credit card. A reasonable down payment may be required to buy materials for some projects, but do not pay anything without a signed contract.  

Be sure to check out the full list of disaster fraud tips and stay vigilant when disaster strikes. To register for FEMA disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.