April is Earthquake Safety Month. Are you prepared for an earthquake? Scientists estimate the following probabilities for California for the next 30 years. There is a 67 percent probability of an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 or larger occurring on the San Andreas, Hayward, or Rodgers Creek faults in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If a major quake struck in your area today, you might be without direct assistance for up to 72 hours. Are you prepared to be self-sufficient? Is you family? Your neighborhood?

How do you prepare for an earthquake if there are no real warnings? The American Red Cross offers some helpful hints to prepare a home earthquake plan and an earthquake safety kit for your home.

To develop a home earthquake plan, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. You should select a place for everyone to meet following an earthquake. Designate someone (friend or family member) to be your family contact person, so that you may ensure your safety to him or her and relay messages. If possible, make simple improvements around your home, such as:

	Strap the water heater to a wall
	Bolt bookcases and other tall, heavy furniture to the wall
	Put bolts or latches on cabinet doors

It is also advised to be skilled in first aid and CPR. To prepare an earthquake safety kit, you will need the following items:

	First aid kit (including essential prescription medications)
	Fire extinguisher
	Canned food and manual can opener
	Bottled water
	Sturdy shoes and work gloves
	Extra blankets and trash bags
	Battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

Some other things to consider would be instructions to shut off your utilities and extra cash in the event that ATM machines are not functioning due to power outages. Should an earthquake occur, be prepared for aftershocks. If you find that your home is unstable, listen to the radio for instructions.