Forty Two: Earthquake Preparedness Guide

After the two recent close earthquakes and the potential risk of more, I thought I will tweak up an email forward I received on “What to do Before, During and After the Earthquake” and share with you all. Welcome!

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

Educate yourself and household members on what to do Before, During and After the earthquake.
In each room of your home, identify the safest places to “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake.
Locate master switches and shut-off valves for all utilities and know how to turn them off.
Prepare home to minimize harm from toppling objects: Store heavy objects and breakables on low shelves, store hazardous or flammable liquids in latched cabinets, and anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances (water heater) to the walls or floor.
Don't hang heavy picture frames or mirrors over beds or couches.
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
Be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week. Assemble and maintain a household emergency supply kit. Make additional, smaller kits to keep in your car(s) and at your place(s) of work. The kit should consist of a first aid kit with manual, flashlights, a portable battery-powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work), essential medications, a three-day supply of fresh water, nonperishable ready-to-eat foods and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water.
Learn first aid.
Carry a list of addresses, telephone numbers for all places frequented by family members (e.g., home, workplaces, schools). Include the phone number of an out-of-city contact. Keep copies in your emergency supply kits.
Decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
If you are indoors

Stay inside
DROP to the ground to avoid falling or being thrown down; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture or brace yourself in a doorway or corner; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
DO NOT travel long distances to drop, cover and hold on. Minimize your movement to a few steps.
Stay away from windows, books, china cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants and other heavy objects, which may slide and topple.
If you can, grab anything handy (coat, blanket, books, newspapers, cardboard box, etc) to shield your head and face from falling debris and splintering glass.
If you are in bed, hold on, stay there, and protect your head with a pillow.
If you are in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at the first sign of shaking.
If you're in a crowd, stay put, stay calm and take what cover you can where you are. In a crowd the greatest dangers are panic and the rush for an exit.
Don't try to hold your pet during a quake. Animals instinctively want to hide when their safety is threatened. If you get in their way, even the nicest pets may hurt you.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
Do not use candles, matches or other open flames because of possible gas leaks. Douse all fires.
DO NOT pull the fire alarm.
DO NOT run for exits.
DO NOT use the elevators, even if they are working. There may be aftershocks.
Do not use telephones or cell phones except in extreme need, fire or serious injury. Leave the lines clear for emergencies.

If outdoors

Get into a OPEN space away from buildings, overhead power lines, chimneys, trees, street lights, and anything else that might fall on you.
Drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle

Stop as quickly and safely as possible and move over to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses.
Stay inside the car with your seatbelt fasted until the shaking has stopped.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

Do NOT light a match.
Do NOT move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

AFTER THE QUAKE

Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
Check others for injuries. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Inspect your home for damage. Use batter-powered lanterns or flashlight instead of candles to inspect your home. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
- Check gas lines. If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. Remember, only a professional can turn the gas back on.
- Check for damaged wiring. If you find any, turn off the electricity at the control box. Stay away from downed power lines even if it appears that the power is off.
- Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and contact a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.
Open closed and cabinet doors cautiously.
Clean up any debris that may be hazardous.
Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio or television for updated emergency information and instructions.
Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
Don't drive if you can avoid it. Bridges may be down, streets may not be passable. Try to keep streets clear for emergency vehicles. Cooperate with police and public safety officials.
If you're near the coast expect tsunami. These huge earthquake generated waves can be as dangerous as the quake itself. Go to high ground until you get official word that the tsunami hazard is past.