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Photograph by George Sakkestad
The American Red Cross recommends storing a supply of water (at least three gallons of water per person), stored in sealed, unbreakable containers marked with the storage date.
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Earthquake hits--be prepared for the 'big one'
Assemble a disaster kit and have a plan
By Jean Newton
When the earth starts rocking and rolling, it often serves as a wake-up call for homeowners to get ready for the next one. After the shaking stops, however, it's easy to forget that the "big one" could be just around the corner. What can homeowners do to get prepared?
With the most recent trembler centered in Gilroy and logging in at 4.9 on the Richter scale, it's apparent that an earthquake can happen anywhere at any time. Being prepared for such an emergency starts with the development of a home earthquake plan. One of the first steps is to gather family members and go through the house to identify a safe place in every room. Look for places, such as under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall, where nothing can fall on family members.
According to the Santa Clara Valley chapter of the American Red Cross, families should practice "drop, cover and hold on" at least twice a year. When the shaking starts, the American Red Cross recommends dropping under a sturdy table or desk, holding on and covering the eyes. If there is no table or desk nearby, the recommendation is to sit on the floor against an interior wall, away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could come crashing down. Parents should remember to review the procedures with children, who may have already had some practice with "duck and cover" drills in their schools.
As part of the home earthquake plan, be sure to designate one out-of-town relative or friend and one local relative or friend to be a family contact person, then make sure all family members know how to get in touch with them. Posting emergency telephone numbers near telephones and teaching children how and when to call 911, the police and the fire department are also important. Programming cell phones with emergency numbers or with the number of the family's designated contact is also a good idea. To prevent confusion, the family should also choose two meeting places at which everyone could meet--a place near the home in case of fire or a place outside the neighborhood in case family members cannot return home after the disaster.
Perhaps the most important component of a home earthquake preparedness plan is to prepare a disaster supplies kit for home and the car and to make sure hazards in the home are eliminated.
In addition to keeping essentials such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes close at hand, the American Red Cross recommends assembling a disaster supplies kit ahead of time with any supplies needed in case of an evacuation. The supplies can be stored in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag and should include the following.
- A first-aid kit and essential medications, plus an extra pair of glasses
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
- A supply of water (at least three gallons of water per person) stored in sealed, unbreakable containers marked with the storage date for ease in replacement every six months
- A supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and a nonelectric can opener
- A change of clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, and blankets or sleeping bags
- Special items for infants and elderly or disabled family members
- Credit cards and cash
- An extra set of car keys
- A list of important family information (Family records and other important papers should be kept in a water- and fireproof container.)
- Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity and water
To get the home prepared for an earthquake, it is wise to conduct a survey of potential hazards. In an earthquake, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage, especially anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire. Taking an inventory and then scheduling repairs or modifications to take care of any hazards in the home is time well-spent in preparation for a disaster of any kind.
Homeowners should take steps to eliminate hazards by repairing defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections; repairing cracks in ceilings or foundations; and cleaning and repairing chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents. Additionally, to make a home earthquake-proof, it is recommended to fasten shelves securely and place large, heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds. Brace overhead light fixtures and secure the water heater by strapping it to wall studs. To avoid fires, store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
Sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to identify potential hazards. Tall bookshelves, china cabinet doors that aren't latched securely, lamps that could easily topple over, anything that could fall onto a bed while someone is sleeping--all need to be properly secured.
In the event of the "big one," there are some action items to take once the shaking stops. The American Red Cross recommends the following.
- Check for injuries. (For protection from further danger, put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves)
- Check others for injuries and give first aid for serious injuries.
- Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if there is the smell of gas or it might be leaking.
- Listen to the radio for instructions.
- Expect aftershocks. Each time, remember to drop, cover and hold on.
- Inspect the home for damage and get everyone outside if it is unsafe.
- Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Being prepared for the unexpected is the antidote for confusion when disaster strikes. For more information, check out the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
