Every year thousands of earthquakes occur in California alone, with most too small to be felt. Seismologists believe that at least one major earthquake with a magnitude over seven is likely to occur somewhere in California in the next 30 years. With this in mind, it is important for California residents to be prepared for an earthquake of any magnitude.
Scientists estimate that there are more than 200 faults capable of causing significant damage and most everyone in Southern California lives within 30 miles of one of these faults. However, no one knows exactly when or where an earthquake will occur, but everyone can reduce the risk of death, injury and property loss in an earthquake by adhering to earthquake safety before, during and after an earthquake.
It is important to be prepared for an earthquake emergency. You can do this by creating a disaster plan as well as emergency kits for you home, car and work, by earthquake proofing your home, by practicing “drop, cover and hold on” with your family and by simply keeping shoes and a flashlight by your bed.
A disaster plan should outline what you and your family will do in the event of an earthquake, it should identify a safe place outside of your home to meet your family or housemates after an earthquake and it should have an out of state contact that you can touch base with to tell them your status. You should also arrange for a neighbor to take care of your pet in case you are not able to get home after a disaster.
Your home emergency kit should contain a week’s supply of imperishable food and water for each member of your household. In addition, you should keep the following in your home, car, and work kits: medications and important medical information, a first aid kit and handbook, spare eye glasses or contact lenses, bottled water and snack foods, a whistle to alert rescuers of your location, emergency cash in small bills, a list of out of state contacts, a working flashlight and a portable radio with extra batteries, personal hygiene supplies and copies of personal identification.
If you have a pet, you should also prepare a kit for them as well. In this kit, you should include an unbreakable dish, pet food, a can opener, their veterinarian records and a leash or pet carrier.
To earthquake proof your home there are a few small things you can do to avoid potential hazards. For your home’s interior safety, you can install latches on your kitchen cabinets, secure televisions, stereos, and computers with Velcro straps, hang mirrors and artwork from closed hooks as well as secure top heavy furniture to walls. Additionally for the external safety of your home, you can install flexible connectors to your gas appliances and strap water heaters securely to the wall.
During an earthquake, while the ground is shaking you should drop to the floor, cover under a steady desk or table and hold on to it firmly. If you are in bed during an earthquake, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. Also keep in mind that if it is shaking do not go outside, but if you are already outside, move to a clear area, avoid outer walls, power lines and trees. If you are driving during an earthquake, pull over to the side of the road, stop and stay in your car until the shaking stops.
After an earthquake, it is important to continue to follow your disaster plan and stay as safe as possible. In the first days following a quake, until you are sure that there are no gas leaks, do not use open flames or operate any electrical or mechanical devices that could create a spark. Never use camp stoves, gas lanterns, heaters, gas or charcoal grills or gas generators indoors because they release deadly carbon monoxide, or can be a fire hazard in the event of an aftershock.
It is also important after an earthquake, to turn on your portable or car radio for important information and safety advisories. If possible, call your out of state contact, tell them your status and then stay off of the phone. If electricity is out, then create meal plans to use refrigerated and frozen foods first.
Also, be patient with your pets after an emergency. They get stressed just like people and need time to readjust. They may disappear for some time, but they generally show up again when things have calmed down. If you must evacuate your home, leave your pet secured in a safe place.
Remember that it is just as important to be fully prepared for an earthquake as it is to know what to do in the event of one and in the aftermath. Make sure that you have up-to-date earthquake kits in your car, at work and at home with plenty of fresh water.