Jul 10, 2008 1:43 pm US/Pacific
Earthquake Preparedness- General Quake Information
Choose a safe place in every room as a safe place to drop under in the event of an earthquake--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
Next, create an emergency contact sheet, which can be a helpful resource for your family after an earthquake.
Give everyone a responsibility and pick two meeting spots to meet at after you leave your house: one close to home and a meeting point outside of you neighborhood in case you are asked to evacuate.
Every adult in the household should also know how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas.
Once everyone in your family understands your emergency plan and has read over the contact list you should put your plan into action at least twice a year and keep all the information on the contact list updated.
Knowing that your family will be safe in the event of an emergency can help everyone sleep better.
Earthquakes 101- DROP. COVER. HOLD ON.
Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year.
If you are indoors drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.
If you happen to be outdoors during an earthquake move into the open, away from buildings, lights, trees, and utility wires.
If you are in the car pull over, do not block the street and stay in your car. In the aftermath of an earthquake be prepared for aftershocks.
If one of your loved ones or someone you know is hurt an earthquake there are three critical steps that can help you react well.
Check the scene for safety and the victim for life-threatening conditions.
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and request professional assistance.
Care for the victim until emergency
What Goes Into My Kit?
Glad that you asked! There are 14 essentials for your earthquake box.
Make sure to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days.
Include any necessary items for infants, seniors and people with disabilities in your kit.
Store you disaster supplies in a sturdy but easy-to-carry container. Keep a smaller version of the kit in you vehicle. Also, make sure to check your disaster box frequently and replace water every six months.
Water. Have at least one gallon, per person, per day.
Food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
First aid kit
Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
Medications
Tools. A wrench to turn off gas if necessary, manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and garbage bags.
Clothing. Include sturdy shoes and gloves.
Personal items such as eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including identification cars, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; and comfort items such as toys and books.
Sanitary supplies such as toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach.
Money. Make sure to store only cash.
Contact information for family members and include someone out of the area in case the phone lines are out.
Pet supplies if necessary.
For more preparedness information visit: www.preparebayarea.org
The video below has great additional information:
http://www.videojug.com/interview/staying-safe-after-an-earthquake
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