How to prepare for an earthquake

Tuesday’s magnitude 6.4 earthquake in Humboldt County jolted residents awake at 2:34 a.m., cut off power to 70,000 people and caused widespread damage to homes and businesses.

Approximately 11 people were injured, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said in an early afternoon statement. Officials noted there were also two deaths, results of “medical emergencies” during or just after the quake.

What can you do to prepare for the next one?

One of the most important things you and your family can do before an earthquake is to have a plan:

– Know how to reach one another in the event of an emergency.

– Establish an out-of-area contact who will coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn their phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.

– Keep copies of important documents at the house of your out-of-area contact or keep important documents and valuables in a fireproof storage box or safe deposit box.

– Prepare an emergency supply kit, which includes food and water for the home, a first aid kit and other items such as a flashlight, whistle and garbage bags. Keep a smaller version in your vehicle. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack. View the California Department of Public Health's recommendations on what to pack at bit.ly/2YPlC5C.

– Know evacuation routes. Establish several different routes in case certain roads are blocked or closed.

– Decide how to take care of pets. Pets are not allowed in places where food is served - so you will need to have a place to take your pets if you have to go to a shelter.

– Don't run out of gas! Always run on the top half of the tank, not on the bottom half.

– Keep some cash on hand at home. In the event of major power or internet outages that come in the wake of an earthquake, credit cards and payment websites like PayPal may not work.

– Visit earthquake preparation sites, including: Earthquake Country Alliance, SF72, Great California Shakeout, and Santa Rosa Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies (COPE).

Source: City of Santa Rosa and Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services