EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
If a major earthquake struck in your area today,
you might be without direct assistance for up to 72 hours. Are you prepared to
be self-sufficient? Is your family? Your neighborhood?
Individual and Family
Preparedness
- Know the safe spots in each room--under sturdy
tables, desks or against inside walls.
- Know the danger spots--windows, mirrors,
hanging objects, fireplaces, tall furniture.
- Conduct practice drills. Physically place
yourself and your children in safe locations.
- Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary
resuscitation) from your local Red Cross Chapter or other community
organization.
- Decide where your family will reunite if
separated.
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
- Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom
family members can call after the quake to report whereabouts and
conditions.
Home
Preparedness
- Learn how to shut off gas, water and
electricity in case the lines are damaged.
- Check chimneys, roofs and wall foundations for
stability. Make sure your home is bolted to its foundation. Call a licensed
contractor if there are any questions.
- Secure water heater and appliances that could
move enough to rupture utility lines.
- Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower
shelves.
- Secure hanging plants and heavy picture frames
or mirrors (especially those hanging over beds).
- Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them
closed during shaking.
- Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as
paints, pest sprays or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower
shelves.
- Maintain emergency food, water and other
supplies, including medicine, first aid kit and clothing.
Community Preparedness
- Suggest that local organizations of which you
are a member undertake a specific preparedness program or acquire special
training to be of assistance in the event of a damaging earthquake.
- Organize a neighborhood earthquake preparedness
program.
- Conduct training for neighborhood residents in
preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, damage assessment and search and
rescue.
- Develop self-help networks between families and
neighborhood through a skills and resource bank which includes a listing of
tools, equipment, materials and neighborhood members who have special skills and
resources to share.
- Identify neighbors who have special needs or
will require special assistance.
- Have neighbors agree to hang a white flag out
after the quake if everyone and everything is OK.
Read more here; http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/Content/4BFBD95BA27DF1DD88256C2A006DC70B?OpenDocument