Imagine you’re at work when suddenly, the ground beneath you starts shaking violently. An earthquake strikes, and panic ensues. Last week’s earthquake in Japan served as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness. As someone who grew up in earthquake-prone Southern California, I’ve experienced the fear and uncertainty firsthand. Now living on the Wasatch Front, I know that it’s only a matter of time before we face a similar seismic event.

The question remains: What would you do if you were caught in an earthquake miles away from the safety of your home? While there are many factors to consider in such a situation, I have distilled it down to three crucial aspects that you can start preparing for right now. By taking proactive steps, you can enhance your chances of staying safe and handling the aftermath of an earthquake with confidence.

1. Plan a route home.

Where do you work? How many overpasses do you cross? How many do 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 workplace.

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