Ask the Expert: Earthquake, Other Emergency Preparedness

After a 5.9 earthquake centered in Virginia , many locals panicked and called police.

Paul Faust, co-founder and chief operating officer Primary Wave Media, which is based in Pleasantville, offered tips for preparedness from his website 1-800-PREPARE.

Faust is a volunteer firefighter, having worked in Chappaqua for many years before joining the Somers department, and started 1-800-PREPARE to centralize emergency preparedness information.

"It was something I've always been around," he said. "[The website] was really set up to bring consumer preparedness to the mainstream."

The site offers helpful information for all types of disasters, from fires to blackouts, and also sells emergency kits for the home, office and even cars.

"People in the northeast tend to think things happen to everyone else," said Faust. "The reality is things like [today's earthquake] happen all the time, all over the country."

He recommends always having a plan for emergencies in place, which includes deciding where you will go and how you will communicate with your family.

Earthquakes like today's, said Faust, tend to come on more suddenly than hurricanes, which are often anticipated ahead of time.

"Make sure you have basic supplies and items," he said. "How you're going to communicate is critical no matter what the situation is."

If you remember nothing else, Faust said the three key earthquake words to remember are "drop, cover and hold."

Getting low and staying covered somewhere like underneath a table or desk can protect you from flying objects (avoid being near windows or shelves that can fall on top of you); while holding onto the table helps secure you to that stop.

"Those are the general rules," he said.

It's also critical to remember aftershocks are not uncommon and to continue avoiding dangerous environments even after the main quake passes.

"Take down heavy items and make sure you're not in a position to get injured if there's an aftershock," he said. "Pay attention to what the authorities are telling you and don't panic."

In any situation, Faust stresses the importance of communication and preparedness.

"The more [prepared] you are, the more you can help your neighbors and community," he said.

For more information about earthquake preparedness, visit 1-800-PREPARE's website.