Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.
This list can also be applied to other disasters, such as floods or wildfires.
在预知地震即将发生之前应该准备：
准备物品：
1. You'll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a gallon等于大约10瓶400毫升的水（一般现在的饮料都在350-400毫升之间）
2. a first aid kit; 急救箱
3. a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires;灭火器
4. flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries,
5. blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work);
6. an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary;
7. baby and pet food;
It's also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you.
提前和家人约定一旦走散后再次相聚的地点，例如可以给灾区外的某个亲戚家打电话来获得对方的情况。
Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.
If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.
If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
如果你在室外，找个空旷的地方。远离周围的建筑、电线或者其他可能砸到你的东西。
If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines.
If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
如果你在山区，提防山体滑坡。如果在海边，提防海啸。逃到更高的地方去。
If you're in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
如果你在拥挤的公共区域，别慌，更别疯狂涌向出口。冷静，用手和胳膊护住头和脖子。
After an Earthquake 地震之后
Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box.
Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
开门时小心柜子上面或者里面的东西随时可能掉下来。平房使用的烟囱也可能被震松。检查房屋是否有裂痕。
Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes.
