PREPARE
Step
1: Secure it now!
Reducing and/or
eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school
can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake
or other disaster. Conduct a "hazard hunt" to help identify and fix
things such as unsecured televisions,
computers,
bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters, etc. Securing these items now will help
to protect you tomorrow.
Step
2: Make a plan
Planning for an
earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from
planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes
evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and
number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent
information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.
Step
3: Make disaster kits
Everyone should
have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and
in your vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the
impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and
your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights,
portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a
whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.
Step
4: Is your place safe?
Most houses
are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter,
there are things that
you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of
the things that you might consider checking include inadequate
foundations, unbraced cripple walls,
soft first
stories, unreinforced
masonry and vulnerable
pipes. Consult a
contractor or engineer to help you identify your building's
weaknesses and begin to fix them now.
PROTECT
Learn what to do
during an earthquake, whether you're at home, at work, at school or just out
and about. Taking the proper actions, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold
On", can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During
earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and
hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
RECOVER
Step
6: Check it out!
One of the first
things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and
damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid
and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid
and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical
lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.
Step
7: Communicate and recover!
Following a major
disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts.
Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home
is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims
process. For most presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be
available from federal, state, and local government agencies.
SOURCE: WWW.EARTHQUAKECOUNTRY.INFO
SOURCE: WWW.EARTHQUAKECOUNTRY.INFO