Dare to Prepare

I got a great summary of earthquake preparedness on a postcard from my realtor. Now all I have to do is break it down into do-able pieces

Before an earthquake
Create a disaster plan
Have an evacuation plan and safe meeting place outside
Decide where your family will meet if separated during an earthquake
Choose an out of state friend or relative to call after a quake to report your status
Prepare an emergency kit of food, water and supplies
Learn first aid and CPR
Practice Drop, Cover and Hold on twice a year
Get under a table, hold onto furniture and cover your head and body
Find the safe spots in each room—under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls
Know the danger spots—near windows, mirrors, fireplaces or tall, unsecured furniture

During an earthquake
Indoors: Drop, cover and Hold on; appropriate action to reduce injury or death
Outdoors: Find an open area away from buildings, trees or power lines
In a high-rise building: Stay away from windows and outside walls; drop, cover and hold on.
In a car: Pull over to side of road away from buildings, overpasses or power lines; stay in your car until the shaking stops
In a crowded public place: Do no rush for the doors. Crouch and cover you head and neck with hands and arms.

After an earthquake
Dn’t panic; stay calm and help others
Listen to your protable radio for instructions
Do not use the telephone unless there is sever injury or fire
Do no use you vehicle unless there is an emergency; keep streets clear
If at home, inspect for damage.
Check for injuries and damage, provide first aid for serious injuries
Check for gas or water leaks or broken electrical wiring.
If you smell gas or there is damage, turn off the gas and report to utility company
Check for any downed power lines, warn others to stay away.
Expect aftershocks and be prepared to drop, cover and hold on
If you evacuate, notify the out of state people.

Steps to earthquake safety for your home
Identify and fix potential hazards in your home
Secure hot water heater using two strap kits
Use childproof latches or release knobs on cabinets
Screw items hanging on wals into a stud
Secure TVs and major appliances to walls
Fasten tall furniture (hutches & bookcases) to wall studs with L brackets
Install safety film to large galss windows or patio doors
Keep flammable or hazardous liquids in secured cabinets in garage

Earthquake survival kit
Food—3 day supply of non-perishable food per person
Water—At least 3 gallons per person
First Aid Kit—Keep it ready and include medications
Can opener, paper plates, cups and paper towels
Flashlights & portable radio, extra batteries
Fire extinguisher, candles and matches
Blankets, clothing, heavy shoes and gloves
Money, plastic trash bags, tape, whistle, pocket knife and wet hand wipes
Instruction to turn off gas, electricity and water
Tool kit & pipe wrench to turn off gas and water
Important telephone numbers, pen & paper
Pets—food, bowls, collars, leashes, ID tags and medication

Important websites
American Red Cross www.prepare.org
Earthquake Country Alliance www.earthquakecountry.info
Earthquake Readiness Campaign www.daretoprepare.org
FEMA Hotline www.fema.gov
Office of Emergency Services www.oes.ca.gov
SoCal Gas Company www.socalgas.com/safety
Southern California Edison www.sce.com
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program www.earthquake.usgs.gov