Earthquake lessons and links are always vital, so we’ve provided a list of the better ones.  First, hold a school or family meeting to formulate a plan in case of an earthquake.  Be sure to discuss the following:

• If you have a student at school, that child cannot be released to anyone not on the school’s emergency list.  If you work out of the area, arrange to have someone local pick-up your child and keep him or her safe.
• Communication is critical, and it’s likely cell phones and landlines will not work.  Plan now where to meet and how to get there.  A good, sturdy computer such as those made by eRacks may be the answer.  They run on open source software, which is much less expensive as well.
• When you plan a trip home, remember that underpasses and bridges may not be safe.  Plan a route that detours these areas.
• Have an emergency supply of food, water, blankets and a radio in your car. 
• Don’t expect to get your vehicle out of a parking lot. During earthquakes, cars bounce around and can easily be thrown against other vehicles.  Stay out of parking lots during an earthquake because of this as well.
• You need a lot of water for your family and your pets.  Expect to have three gallons of water for each person and pet.  That should last three days.  Also have water purification tablets or chlorine bleach to purify drinking water from other sources.  Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned vegetables. Do not drink water from pools or spas due to chemicals in the water.
• Keep a supply of medication on hand and some cash, as credit card use depends on communications that might be down.
• Have a fire extinguisher available, as there may not be water to douse a fire.  You also should have some basic tools: a crow bar to open stuck doors and garage doors, a wrench to turn off gas and water mains that might be leaking, can openers, matches, a knife, extra flashlights and good batteries, a battery powered lantern, a portable radio and a bottle opener.
• The new LED flashlights and lanterns are highly recommended as they use less battery power and give a brighter light.  You should also consider your outside barbecue to cook food once all gas leaks have been stopped.  Don’t cook indoors.
• Find a secure place for items such as:  toilet paper, plastic bags, hand sanitizers, paper towels, duct tape, rope, rainwear, sleeping bags, extra bedding and clothes, gloves and  your vital documents.

Additionally, the following websites contain information and learning opportunities. You might want to contact the schools your children attend and your work place management to learn their preparations.

Beat the Quake – Drop, Cover, Hold On
Simulation quiz about your home and what you can do to secure items

California Governor’s Office of Homeland Security – Citizen Preparedness
Ideas for home preparation that includes those homes with handicapped individuals

Dare to Prepare
How your family can prepare for an earthquake

Earthquakes
Try this large link site with all types of lessons and resources about earthquakes.

Earthquakes: Getting Ready for the Big One
Earthquake lessons and links for educators and parents

Emergency Supplies Checklist

Geology.com Earthquake Classroom Activities and Lesson Plans

How to Survive a Devastating Earthquake
Get the myths and reality.

Printable booklets on preparing for an earthquake

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

ShakeOut Drill Broadcast
View video depicting the physical, social and economic consequences of the most comprehensive earthquake scenario ever created and other simulations.

ShakeOut Videos: Audio Drill Broadcast Files

ShakeOut Videos: What Businesses Can Do

ShakeOut Videos: What K-12 Schools Can Do

Southern California Alphabetical Fault Index

USGS California Earthquake Information

USGS CoreCast:  What would a Large Earthquake do to Downtown Los Angeles?

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Current earthquakes around the world

USGS Earthquakes for Kids
Earthquake information for kids -- includes learning games