All U.S. states are vulnerable to earthquakes.
The motto "be prepared" doesn't apply just to Boy Scouts; it's also a wise maxim to adopt for home and family safety. While it's possible to prepare for inclement weather or a hurricane bearing down on the coast, earthquakes typically happen with no warning, so the best way to survive an earthquake is to safeguard your home and to create a family action plan. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in 2010, more than 8,000 earthquakes of a 2.0 magnitude or higher occurred in the U.S., making home and family safety of paramount importance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparation
1. Secure large, heavy shelves, furniture and hot water heaters to wall studs with safety straps or fasteners available at your local hardware store. Rearrange heavy objects on lower shelves.
2. Place china, crystal and fragile items in closed cabinetry so that they don't become flying missiles of glass that can injure someone.
3. Rehang any photographs, mirrors or wall art away from seating areas or beds.
4. Secure overhead fans and light fixtures.
5. Repair existing cracks in windows, walls and foundations.
6. Repair any known plumbing or electrical problems, as well as gas leaks.
7. Place poisons, insecticides, herbicides and flammable liquids on the bottom shelf of a cabinet that latches closed.
8. Hold a family meeting every year to create or revisit an earthquake-preparedness plan, and review safety measures and plans for each family member. Point out the safest furniture under which to take cover, doorways against which you should brace yourself, and safe areas outside to run to, if necessary.
9. Choose a family member or close friend who does not live in your area or state to be the safe point of contact for each family member. Preprogram the contact's phone number is into all cell phones.
10. Designate a safe place for scattered family members to meet that is central to everyone, and remind each other that you should only meet there if it is safe to do so.
11. Assemble a disaster relief kit that includes several days' worth of water and nonperishable food (don't forget food for babies and pets), a nonelectric can opener, medicine and clothing. Add blankets, a radio with extra batteries, a flashlight with extra batteries, extra cell phone batteries, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, tools, toys, books, a camera with extra batteries, extra car keys and a telephone with the cord attached. In a resealable, waterproof bag you should place cash, and copies of important family documents, such as birth certificates, insurance policies, bank statements and passports.
During and After an Earthquake
12. Drop, cover and hold on to something sturdy, such as a table or heavy desk, if you are indoors when an earthquake hits. Remain calm and try to stay away from windows, glass or areas where small objects become airborne. If you are in a public place, try to walk quickly to a framed doorway and away from glass and moving objects. Brace yourself by holding out both arms against each side of the frame. If you can't get to a doorway or under a table, crouch on the floor and cover your head with your hands.
13. Run clear of buildings, power lines and large objects that could fall on you, if you are outside. Try to stand in an open area.
14. Maneuver your car to a safe area, stop, and turn it off if you are driving when the earthquake hits. Try to stop the car where there are no buildings, overpasses or power lines that could fall on your car.
15. Vacate an unsafe area for safer ground after the earthquake is over. Remember that there will likely be strong aftershocks.
16. Call 9-1-1 if you, or anyone around you, is injured, and don't drive anywhere, so the streets can remain clear for emergency vehicles.
17.Contact family members, as well as the designated out-of-town contact, to let them know you are safe.
18. Retrieve your disaster supply kit, if possible, and turn on the radio to find out any important instructions or information from local emergency management systems or the police.
19. Check for any damage to your home or foundation, if it is safe to do so.
20. Leave a written message on your front door if you go to another location, alerting family and friends to the fact that you are fine and where you will be.
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