You may think it is an unlikely event, but as with fires, its is always better to be prepared. An earthquake is not something you can prevent, but if you know what to expect and what do do in the unlikely event that it happens, it can make you feel a little less vulnerable.
1. Know the safe and dangerous places in your home.
Safe: Under heavy tables or desks; inside hallways; corners of rooms or archways.
Dangerous: Near windows or mirrors; under any objects that can fall; the kitchen… where the stove, refrigerator or contents of cupboards may move violently; doorways, because the shaking may slam the door on you. Practice taking cover.
2. Train members of your family to use fire extinguishers.
3. Chech if your home has Earthquake insurance coverage. Get some if if you live in a high-risk area.
4. Plan and practice evacuation.
5. Talk to your children about what to do if they’re at home, at school, if the quake separates your family. Become familiar with the school’s earthquake plan.
6. Plan!
Arrange an out-of-the-area contact. Each family member should carry the contact phone number and address. Have an alternative family rendezvous if you can’t get home.
7. Remind your family to rely on emergency authorities for guidance. Broadcast reports on radio and television will have instructions.
8. Also remind your family members that emergency phone numbers are in the inside cover of the telephone book. But use them only in an extreme emergency. Your telephone may not work after an earthquake, or it may take a while to get a dial tone.
9. Make sure each family member knows how to shut off the utilities gas, electricity and water. (Don’t shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. If the gas is turned off, don’t turn it on again… that must be done by a qualified technician).
10. Your plan should include a list of where emergency supplies and equipment are stored.
[tags]Earthquake,Earthquake Tips,Keeping safe,disaster preparation[/tags]
Originally posted on November 6, 2006 @ 11:20 am
