We went on line and pulled some information on being prepared for an Earthquake. Attached there is some very useful information from The American Red Cross.
Here's what You can do to prepare for such an emergency:
-Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for home and car, including first aid kit and essential medications.
-Canned food and can opener.
-At least three gallons of water per person.
-Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags.
-Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
-Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
-Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
-Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes by your bedside.
-Know what to do when the shaking begins. DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
-Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
-If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
-If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. Drop to the ground.
-If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
-Identify what to do after the shaking stops.
-Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a longsleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
-Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
-Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
-Listen to the radio for instructions.
-Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!
-Inspect your home for damage.
-Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
-Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Earthquakes can happen in most states . . . anytime . . . without warning. Reducing hazards and knowing what to do can make a big difference in how an earthquake affects your household. Adults and children in the household should talk about what you will do when an earthquake happens. This checklist will get you started in planning. Have various members of the household complete each of the items on the checklist below. Then get together to finalize your Home
Earthquake Plan.
Pick one or more “safe places” in each room of your home. Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! in each place.
Write the locations of safe places in each room of your home—
Bedroom: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Bedroom: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Living room: __________________________________________________________________________________
Kitchen: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Other rooms: __________________________________________________________________________________
____ Choose an out-of-town relative or friend to be a family contact person.
Family contact: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone number: ________________________________________________________________________________
____ Put together disaster supplies kits.
Location of home kit: __________________________________________________________________________
Date assembled: _______________________________________________________________________________
Shoes and flashlight put next to everyone’s bed: ____________________________________________________
(date)
Smaller kit put in car: __________________________________________________________________________
(date)
____ Teach household members how to turn off utilities.
Location of gas and water valves and electrical switches and turnoff tools: ______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
____ Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets.
____ Secure water heater to wall studs with two steel straps.
____ Bolt bookcases, china cabinet, and tall furniture to wall studs.
____ Secure items that might fall (TV, books, computers, etc.).
And remember . . . when an earthquake, tornado, flood, fire, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood.
For more information, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.
You can also visit these Web sites:
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov
U.S. Geological Survey: www.usgs.gov
We hope this is helpful. Please do yourself a favor, print it out & complete as much as you can. We sure will!
Have a great day!
Jeff & Linda
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