At work during an earthquake?

Last week's earthquake in Japan made me review my emergency preparedness plans - again (like I don't think about it enough!). I grew up in Southern California and have experienced my share of earthquakes. It can be scary. And here on the Wasatch Front we are going to have an earthquake, its just a matter of when.

What would you do if there was an earthquake and you were 2, 10, or 20 miles from home? There are many things to think about, but I can think of three things that you can prepare for now.

1. Plan a route home.

Where do you work? How many overpasses to you cross? How many to you go under? to make your way home. You will have to assume that these structures have collapsed. Will you even have a vehicle to drive? Do you park in a parking structure? Do you park in an open lot? If you park on the street will debris fall on your vehicle? Do you cross any rivers?

I recommend you plan a route home avoiding all collapsible infrastructures.

2. 72-hour kit.

Do you have a 72-hour kit in your vehicle? Hello! You'd better! Many people keep a 72-hour kit at their job. Some employers even provide them for their employees at the work place.
 
3. Plan to walk home.

Would you be able to walk home? Chances are good that you will have to walk home. Could you walk the 17 miles home from the City? 6 miles? or even 2 miles?

These are just a 3 things to think about if you were caught in an earthquake while at work.