• Store flammable and toxic substances securely upright in a sturdy metal cabinet, preferably in a shed outside your home.
  
  
• Keep your furnace area, garage, basement and attic free of combustible items, such as old newspapers and rags.
  
  
• Have your chimney and fireplace or woodstove professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
  
  
• After an earthquake, turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box right away if you notice damage to any wires. If you smell a gas leak, shut off the service at the main valve, leave the premises immediately, and call PG&E at (800) 743-5000 from an outside phone. (If you do turn off your gas and electric service, you must call PG&E to re-establish the connection. See our Earthquake Preparedness article for more information.
  
  
• Properly secure your water heater so that it does not topple over during a quake. This is the law. See our Water Heater Bracing article for further details.
  
  
• Develop a fire escape plan with all members of your household and have practice drills to be sure everyone understands and remembers the procedure, especially children. (The City of Pasadena provides guidelines for creating and practicing a Home Fire Escape Plan.