Keep a list of your local healthcare facilities, with addresses, phone numbers, and emails/websites
Consider these facilities:
Hospitals/ERs
Pharmacies
Urgent care clinics
Ancillary care:
Dialysis Centers, Cancer Treatment Centers
Practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” steps to take during an earthquake
Drop: Drop on your hands and knees (If you use a walker or wheelchair, use this step to lock your wheels)
Cover: Cover your head or get under a table if you are able (If you use a walker or wheelchair, sit on your walker or crouch your torso down towards the wheelchair and cover your head)
Hold on: Hold on to a steady surface or, if you are unable to, hold on to your neck with locked hands
Keep a “go-bag” of emergency supplies ready, including your medications
Suggested items: first aid kit, flashlight, portable radio, NOAA weather radio, batteries, whistle, blankets, sanitation items, important documents, and cash if possible
Pack all medications in a resealable, waterproof bag
Plan for any chronic conditions you may have
Diabetes: Talk to your pharmacist about keeping a supply of insulin on hand – Try to refrain from eating sugar and other carbohydrates
Kidney disease: Make sure you have access to dialysis treatment and use the renal diet
Cardiovascular disease & hypertension: Try to refrain from high-salt and fatty food and aim for 30 minutes of activity a day to manage your blood pressure
Pulmonary disease: Work with your supplier to understand options for keeping resupplies of oxygen with you
Disability: Develop alternative transportation plans and identify a trusted caretaker if necessary
Aging: Post emergency numbers near every house phone and cellular phone
Asthma: Have a plan to ensure you have a supply of your asthma medications and supplies
Cancer: If you have a cancer survivorship care plan, keep a copy handy and take steps to lower your risk for infections
Keep a list of helpful hotlines
Healthcare Ready: 1-866-247-2694
FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (or text “TalkWithUS” to 66746)
Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER): 1-866-901-3773
Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767
American Diabetes Association: 1-800-342-2283
American Heart Association: 1-800-242-8721
American Association of People with Disabilities: 1-800-840-8844
American Stroke Association: 1-888-478-7653
Recovering from an Earthquake
Be mindful of aftershocks that are likely to come after the earthquake and can be nearly as powerful
Check home for damages and gas leaks
Use caution when cleaning up debris and don’t overexert yourself
Always wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, and beware of glass, nails, and other sharp objects
If you are cut or scraped, clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly and keep it covered, especially if you have cancer or are otherwise immunocompromised
Contact family and friends to let them know you are safe
Check in on your loved ones that may need support
Use text messages instead of phone calls because phone lines might be down
Check with your health insurance provider for emergency support resources and hotlines
Start by calling the number on the back of your insurance card for assistance
If you don’t have insurance, call 2-1-1 and ask about local services that may be able to help
If there is a disaster declaration, you can also try to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance for financial support by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov