Earthquake Preparedness

With the most recent swarm of earthquakes in Northern California, I thought it was time to remind everyone about being prepared for earthquakes.
Earthquakes can be extremely destructive causing down power lines, loss of water, destruction of roads and homes. In the event of a massive quake in our area are we as prepared as we need to be for our survival?

Its great idea to think about how to earthquake proof your home now to minimize the extent of the damage. Starting with anchoring bookcases and large furniture to walls and installing latches on drawers and cabinet doors to keep contents from spilling out. Learn more about our community’s disaster preparedness plans. Create a personalized family plan with escape routes and emergency meeting place. Its recommended to establish a contact person to communicate with concerned relatives and it is a good idea that this person be out of state because if all the local lines are tied up they can help. It is important that all family members know where the gas, electric and water main shutoff controls are in your home and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short. Keep the tools necessary for emergency shut offs close by.

Put together an emergency kit and make sure all household members know where it is. Some important items to include in your kit are:

• WATER – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store more than 3-day supply of water, if possible).
• FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for all members of your home, including pets. Include a non-electric can opener for canned food.
• FLASHLIGHT/RADIO – You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries.
• MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies.
• SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, feminine products, and plastic bags, to use if water resources become limited.
• BATTERIES/CHARGING DEVICE – Include mobile cell charger it should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be charged from a car outlet. Batteries will be necessary for flashlights, radios, etc.
• CLOTHING AND BLANKETS – Long sleeves and long pants, thick-soled shoes, and work gloves to protect yourself after the earthquake, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
• WHISTLE – Include a whistle to signal for help.
• CASH – Store at least $100 in cash in case ATMs are not functioning after the earthquake.
• FIRE EXTINGUISHER – Earthquakes can cause fires to break out; have a fire extinguisher so you can put out any small fires. Use a fire extinguisher only if you are physically capable.