If you live in California, in addition to infamous traffic jams and giant potholes, you have to live with the threat of earthquakes. And, in the last few weeks, we\u2019ve been reminded about how helpless we are living on shaky ground. But, like buckling your seat belt in your car, the actions you take now to stay safe when the next big earthquake hits, may save your life. Being prepared is the key to your survival. Don\u2019t wait any longer to get ready – start now — you\u2019ll be glad you did.<\/p>\n
Here are steps you can take right now to help you safely ride out the next big one.<\/p>\n
1. Earthquake insurance<\/strong> 2. Practice how to drop, cover and hold on:<\/strong> During an earthquake, know how to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on to that furniture until after the shaking stops.<\/p>\n 3. Identify earthquake hazards in your home<\/strong> 4. Make a plan: Identify out-of-area emergency contacts.<\/strong> Decide where to reunite with loved ones after a disaster in case phone lines are down. Write your plan on an emergency contact card and store in your phone along with important numbers for emergency resources in your area.<\/p>\n 5. Put together several disaster supplies kits:<\/strong> Because you don\u2019t know where you will be when an earthquake occurs, prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for your home, workplace, and car. Your home should have a larger household kit with supplies to last three days to one week. You can put these together yourself or buy them from survival gear companies that sell ready-made kits.<\/p>\n Here is what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends for a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit:<\/strong> Once you have put together the supplies for a basic emergency kit, these supplemental items are important to add:<\/strong> Important notes about water<\/strong> How to Purify Water with Bleach<\/strong><\/p>\n Water Quantity Bleach Added<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nFirst, review your insurance policies annually to make sure your home is covered \u2013 most homeowners\u2019 insurance<\/a> and renters\u2019 insurance<\/a> policies don\u2019t cover damage from earthquakes \u2013 you need a separate earthquake policy.<\/p>\n
\nSecure heavy objects. Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sleep or sit. Bolt and brace water heaters, gas appliances, bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs. Do you live, work, or travel near the coast? Find out what areas are at risk of a tsunami.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
\n\u2022 Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
\n\u2022 Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
\n\u2022 Flashlight and extra batteries
\n\u2022 First aid kit
\n\u2022 Whistle to signal for help
\n\u2022 Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
\n\u2022 Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
\n\u2022 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
\n\u2022 Manual can opener for food
\n\u2022 Local maps
\n\u2022 Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Prescription medications and glasses
\n\u2022 Infant formula and diapers
\n\u2022 Pet food and extra water for your pet
\n\u2022 Cash or traveler’s checks and change
\n\u2022 Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
\n\u2022 Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
\n\u2022 Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
\n\u2022 Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
\n\u2022 Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper \u2013 When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant.
\n\u2022 Fire extinguisher
\n\u2022 Matches in a waterproof container
\n\u2022 Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
\n\u2022 Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
\n\u2022 Paper and pencil
\n\u2022 Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 A normally active person needs at least \u00bd gallon of water daily just for drinking.
\n\u2022 Store water in plastic containers
\n\u2022 Do not store any plastic water container directly on concrete to prevent contaminating chemicals leaching from the concrete into the water and also degrading the plastic bottle.
\n\u2022 If you use your own containers of water, you should buy air-tight, food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supply stores. Replace water every 6 months.
\n\u2022 To ensure water quality, purify it before drinking<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n