Homeland Security's Press Release for Earthquake

PRESS RELEASE

NO DAMAGE REPORTED AFTER 2.7 EARTHQUAKE SOUTHWEST OF EXETER

CONCORD, NH – New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is working with state local and federal partners following reports of a 2.7 magnitude earthquake occurring 8 km southwest of Exeter. No damage or injuries have been reported.

“Fortunately, this was a minor earthquake with little impact, but we need to be ready,” HSEM Director Perry Plummer said. “This quake serves as a reminder to all of us-- an earthquake can occur at any time with no warning. Put your emergency plan together now and practice it regularly. People who are prepared have a much better chance of getting through an emergency. Go to ReadyNH.gov to learn what you and your family can do today.”

Plummer offered the following recommendations:

• When an earthquake occurs: Drop! Cover! Hold on!
  • First, drop onto your hands and knees and stay low--stay on your knees throughout the quake to protect vital organs.
  • Second, cover your head and neck with one arm and hand and crawl to a nearby sturdy table or desk, or crawl next to an interior wall away from windows.
  • Third, hold on to your shelter with one hand and be ready to move with your shelter as it shifts.
  • If you don’t have shelter, cover your head and neck with both arms and hands.
  • Hold earthquake drills in your home and office.
  • If You are Outside
    • Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
  • If You are in a Moving Vehicle
    • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires.
    • Do not attempt to drive across bridges or overpasses that appear to have been damaged.
  • If You are Trapped Under Debris
    • Do not light a match or use a cigarette lighter.
    • If possible, cover your mouth with a handkerchief or piece of clothing. Do not move about or kick up dust.
    • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort, as shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
• Prepare now by:
  • Hold an earthquake drill in your home and at your office.
  • Go to ReadyNH.gov for tools to do the following:
    • Complete a Family Emergency Plan and discuss it with your friends and family. This is a simple way of keeping each member of the family informed on critical information, including where to reconnect should you become separated, who to call, and what you will do should an earthquake occur.
    • Complete Emergency Contacts Cards for each person in your family; one to keep with them and one for in your emergency kit.
    • Complete an Emergency Kit and keep it in an accessible place in your home. You can get your Emergency Kit Shopping List at ReadyNH.gov.
  • In your home:
    • Store breakable items such as dishes, glasses and bottled foods in cabinets that close and latch securely.
    • Fasten shelves securely to walls and place large or heavy objects on lower shelves to help reduce injuries during an earthquake.
    • Anchor overhead lighting fixtures and hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
    • Take a look at your house and locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall.
    • Have a licensed professional repair inflexible utility connections, defective electrical wiring and leaky gas lines. Flexible fittings are more resistant to damage.
  • Get insurance
    • If you rent your home, renter's insurance is a great solution to protect yourself and your family from the cost of repairs and replacing your belongings.
    • If you own your home, homeowner's insurance is the best way to be prepared for the costs associated with repairing cracked foundations, water or fire damage and paying to replace any destroyed belongings. Remember that you may need to acquire earthquake insurance in addition to a standard homeowner's insurance policy.