Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes can occur at any time with devastating consequences. As opposed to, say, a hurricane where many preparedness steps can be taken after the forecast is made, earthquakes strike without warning (unless we can do something about it) and often make post-disaster recovery efforts difficult if not impossible (picture cracked/closed roadways, for example).
The keys to preparing for an earthquake are:
1. Identify a safe location that you and your loved ones can retreat to on any floor of your residence (or work place). Remember that once the earthquake starts it may be physically impossible for you to move and it also can be extremely dangerous. So in the same way that we identify emergency escapes in an airplane or movie theatre ahead of time, so too should you have an understanding of where to go in the event of a quake (i.e. under a heavy piece of furniture, outside, in a safe area of the home, etc.)
2. Ensure that you have sufficient supplies for an extended period without food, water, electricity, gas and other modern amenities. Particularly strong earthquakes can have devastating effects on a home and community. You want to ensure that you have a sufficient supply of non-perishable food stocks and potable water. Batteries for flashlights and even a backup generator if you can afford it. The USGS recommends the following supplies:
- Fire extinguisher
- Medication
- Crescent and pipe wrenches for turning off gas and water supplies
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights and bulbs
- Portable radio (hand-cranked or battery operated)
- Two weeks’ worth of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Water purification tables
- Canned and packaged foods (mechanical can opener)
- Pet food
- Camp stove if you wish to cook meals OUTDOORS
- Waterproof plastic bags for waste disposal
