Earthquake Preparedness

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Despite all of our advances in technology, scientists still cannot accurately predict when and where an earthquake will hit. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards and planning ahead can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. The following list provides a few ways in which you and your family can help yourselves to be prepared.
1. Check for Hazards in your Home
• Ensure shelves are securely fastened to walls
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glasses, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
• Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
• Against an inside wall
• Away from windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over
• In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
• Emergency food and water (enough for 3 days)
• First aid kit
• Essential medicines
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Nonelectric can opener
• Cash and credit cards
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
• In the event family members are separated from one another (a real possibility during the day, when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the family contact person.

Be prepared. Once you have a plan, remember to follow it! A helpful checklist from the Red Cross is included below.

Please visit www.fema.org or www.redcross.org for more information.

Download:
Be Red Cross Ready


Back to News and Events

Recent Headlines