In the aftermath of the 7.0-magnitude temblor in Haiti, those of us living in 'quake country had a shake-up call delivered: Be ready for this natural disaster.

 

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Here's our take-home safety preparedness checklist:

1. Store heavy objects on lower shelves where they are less likely to fall onto people.

2. Fasten down lamps and other valuables with putty-like anchoring wax.

3. Put latches on cabinet doors to keep contents inside.

4. Position your bed away from windows, which could shatter.

5. Close the curtains or blinds at night to keep broken glass from flying into the bedroom.

6. Nix any pictures above your bed - or shelves, books, boxes or other heavy items on a shelf above. Not worth the risk to you - or your treasured items.

7. Stash shoes beneath your bed in a plastic bag as chances are broken glass will shower the floor.

8. Next to them keep a flashlight and crowbar to pry open jammed doors.

Finally, make sure all family members know how and when to shut off the water and gas valves.

The main water valve (usually found near an exterior wall close to the water meter or the well supply) should be shut off immediately after a quake to prevent contamination of your home's water supply.

Your gas valve (it's usually near the gas meter) should be off only if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Keep a wrench wired to the gas meter for this purpose.

For a complete list of everything you need to prepare your home and family for any emergency, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) guide Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness .

How to explain big words like "emergency" and "disaster" to kids? Let Herman, FEMA's "spokescrab" explain how your child can become a "Disaster Action Kid".