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Will you have medical services? The 911 emergency system will likely be overloaded. Hospitals and other medical facilities may be damaged. Emergency rooms and trauma centers may be overwhelmed. Assisted living, critical care, and other health services such as dialysis may not be operational.	This hospital in Sylmar, California, had to be demolished after the 1971 magnitude 6.7 San Fernando earthquake.

An ambulance that was crushed during the quake. (USGS photos)

Will you be able to get home? Road damage and closures may restrict your ability to travel by car. Public transportation, including buses, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), ferries, and airports may experience closures or interruptions in service. Commute times may be dramatically increased.

The 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake caused this section of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to collapse. (USGS photo)

This porch on a wood-frame house failed during the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake. The "red tag" indicates that this home is unsafe and must not be entered or occupied. (USGS photo)

Will you be able to stay in your home? Your home may be damaged and unsafe to live in. Your personal property may be damaged or destroyed. Construction materials and labor for repairs will be in limited supply and costs will increase. Rebuilding scams may be common. Availability of rental housing may be limited due to damage and high demand.

Can you live without the services you rely on? Water may be in short supply. Natural gas and electric power may be out for days or weeks. Garbage and sewage services may be interrupted. Telephone, Internet, cell phone, and wireless communications may be overloaded or unavailable. Mail service may be disrupted or delayed. Gasoline may be in short supply, and rationing may be necessary. Bank operations may be disrupted, limiting access to cash, ATMs, or online banking. Grocery, drug, and other retail stores may be closed or unable to restock shelves.

Where will you get your water, food, medicines, and gasoline after an earthquake? (USGS photo)

This business in Santa Cruz, California, was nearly destroyed in the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake. (USGS photo)

How will your job be affected? Businesses may sustain damage and disruption -- many small businesses require a long time to reopen or do not survive disasters. Your income may be affected -- payroll checks or direct deposits may be delayed. Your workplace may become a temporary shelter for you or others. Supplies and deliveries will be interrupted.

How Will the American Red Cross Help? After an earthquake, the American Red Cross will help in the following ways: Opening and operating emergency shelters. Providing food at shelters and feeding locations and through mobile distribution. Obtaining and delivering other needed items such as water, baby supplies, and blankets. Assisting with the immediate mental-health needs of those affected. Providing for basic health needs at shelters and other locations. Helping with initial recovery through casework and referrals to other agencies and partners. Providing blood and blood products. For more information go to: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/

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