Mitigation and Preparedness efforts increase our ability to respond and recover. Every dollar and hour spent on mitigation and preparedness substantially reduces the time and cost of response and recovery.

• Rearrange furniture, such as moving a bed away from windows.
• Strap water heater with two heavy-duty straps to the studs in the wall.
• Be sure all gas appliances have flexible gas supply lines.
• Brace bookcases, file cabinets, refrigerators, and other heavy objects.
• Latch cabinet doors and secure pictures, mirrors, and other wall hangings.
• Protect breakable objects by securing with special wax or putty.
• Safe storage and elimination of toxic and hazardous materials.
• Seismic strengthening by retrofitting with bolts, sheer wall, chimney bracing, etc.

• Identify safety issues and potential hazards in the neighborhood and community, make a plan, and take appropriate action, such as undergrounding the utilities.

• Have a household plan, with out-of-state contact number, reunification site, etc.
• Store supplies: water, food, first aid kit, flashlight, radio, batteries, tools, etc.
• Have working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.
• Take NEAT Training Course and First Aid & CPR class.

• Get to know your neighbors. Identify skills and special needs in neighborhood.
• Participate in the NEAT Program and Neighborhood Watch.
• Identify a Neighborhood Command Post, First Aid Station, and Shelter Site.
• Map the utility shutoff locations for each house and building.
• Group storage of water, first aid, tools, and other supplies.
• Have a neighborhood and community emergency communications system.
• Have a neighborhood and community evacuation plan.
• Practice neighborhood and community plans with drills and exercises.

Response includes decisions made and actions taken during and after an emergency by individuals, neighborhoods, and response agencies.

Recovery is a long process involving the restoring and rebuilding of individual and community lives, property, and economy.