BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Kern County Fire Department warns residents that earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning.

Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and completing advanced planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake, the fire department said.

The KCFD said the following actions should be completed by residents:

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE: Check for hazards in the home

• Fasten shelves securely to walls
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
• Store breakable items, such as bottled foods, glass and china, in low, closed cabinets with latches
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit
• Brace overhead light fixtures
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks
• Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. A resident should get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects, the KCFD says
• Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves
• Identify safe places in each room, including places under sturdy furniture, such as a heavy desk or table, against an inside wall or away from a place where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors or pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over
• Locate safe places outdoors, including places that are in the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses or elevated expressways.
• Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water
• Teach children how and when to call 911, police or the fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information
• Have disaster supplies on hand, including: flashlights and extra batteries, a portable battery-operated radio, a first aid kit and manual, emergency food and water, a non-electric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards and sturdy shoes
• Develop an emergency communication plan
• In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake -- which the KCFD said is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school -- residents should develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance

The KCFD also said residents should make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
If indoors:

• Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on
• Stay inside -- The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall

If outdoors:

• Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights and utility wires
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops

If in a moving vehicle:

• Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle
• Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses or utility wires
• Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake

Pet owners:

• The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard
• Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a three-day supply of dry food and a large container of water

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:
Be prepared for aftershocks

Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the quake.

• Help injured or trapped persons
• Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Call for help, if necessary
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly and people with disabilities
• Stay out of damaged buildings
• Return home only when authorities say it is safe
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if the smell gas or fumes from other chemicals is present
• Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously
• Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage, as unnoticed damage could lead to a fire

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME:

• Check for gas leaks -- If the smell of gas is present or the sounds of blowing or hissing occurs, open a window and quickly leave the building
• Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if possible and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If the gas is turned off for any reason, remember, it must be turned back on by a professional
• Look for electrical system damage -- if sparks or broken or frayed wires are visible, or if the smell hot insulation is apparent, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If one must step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice
• Check for sewage and water lines damage -- if sewage lines are possibly damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. Safe water can be obtained by melting ice cubes

MITIGATION:

Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies.

Investing in preventive mitigation steps now, such as repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes in the future.

For more information on mitigation, contact the local emergency management office.